Living in St. Louis, you quickly realize that summer electricity bills and winter heating costs can be surprisingly burdensome.

Due to the central climate's hot, humid summers and cold winters, heating and cooling expenses make up a significant portion of annual household spending. Let's take a look at what the actual costs are and how you can save.

Electricity in St. Louis is primarily supplied by Ameren (Ameren Missouri). Ameren is the largest electric company in Missouri, providing power to most homes in the St. Louis metro area. As of 2024, Ameren's average electricity rate in Missouri is about 11 to 12 cents per kWh, which is similar to the national average. However, during the peak cooling demand months of June to August, usage spikes dramatically, leading to significantly higher monthly electricity bills.

For an average household (about 1,800 to 2,000 sq ft), monthly electricity bills during the summer peak months of July and August often range from $150 to $250. If you use air conditioning heavily or have a larger home, bills can exceed $300. In fact, feedback from St. Louis residents often includes comments like, "My July electricity bill was $250," and "Even keeping the air conditioning set to 76°F, it rarely goes below $200 in the summer." In contrast, during spring and fall, when heating and cooling are nearly unnecessary, monthly electricity bills can drop significantly to around $50 to $80.

What about winter heating costs? The most common heating energy source for St. Louis homes is natural gas. Gas is primarily supplied by Spire (formerly Laclede Gas). As of 2024, natural gas rates are about $0.50 to $0.70 per therm. During the coldest months of January and February, gas usage increases, and monthly gas bills often reach $100 to $200. There can be significant variations depending on the insulation and size of the home, but older homes (built before the 1970s) may have inadequate insulation, leading to much higher winter heating costs. In contrast, newly built homes with good insulation can see substantial savings on heating costs, even at the same size.

When combining average monthly utility bills for electricity and gas, during the summer (July to August), the total is typically around $180 to $280, while in winter (December to February), the combined total is about $150 to $250. When calculated annually, the total utility costs, including heating and cooling, can reach approximately $2,000 to $3,500. This varies greatly depending on household size, living arrangements (apartment vs. single-family home), and lifestyle patterns.

Here are some methods St. Louis residents use to save on utility bills. Ameren offers a rebate program for energy efficiency improvements, providing refunds for installing high-efficiency air conditioners or insulation. Installing a smart thermostat, such as Ecobee or Nest, is also an effective method; it is said that adjusting heating and cooling automatically during unused hours can save 10 to 15% on annual electricity bills. If you live in an apartment or rental property, it's important to check if heating and cooling costs are included in the rent before signing a lease.

Low-income families in Missouri can also take advantage of LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program). This federal program assists eligible households with a portion of their heating and cooling costs. In the St. Louis area, applications can be made through organizations like STAR Corp. If you're planning to live in St. Louis, it's wise to adequately budget for summer and winter utility costs.