…from Watts Up July 2026

How to shave the peak off of summer power bills

We are in full swing of summer now. That means longer days, higher temperatures, and increased electricity use across the OPD5 service area. Understanding how and when electricity is used can help families manage their monthly bills while maintaining comfort during the hottest months.

Cost-saving tips for summer
Here are several simple steps customers can take to reduce their energy use and save money:

  • Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when no one is home. Even a small adjustment can lower cooling costs.
  • Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air. Fans use significantly less electricity than air conditioners and can make rooms feel several degrees cooler.
  • Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block unwanted heat from entering your home.
  • Replace dirty HVAC filters regularly. A clean filter helps your air conditioning system operate more efficiently.
  • Time your appliance use. Avoid using ovens, dryers, and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest afternoon hours when possible.
  • Seal air leaks around doors and windows to prevent cooled air from escaping.
  • Schedule annual maintenance for your cooling system to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.

Bring balance to your bill
Fortunately, there is a silver lining to all of this. If we hold out for just a few more months, summer will actually come to an end – even for southern Nevada. The air conditioning will be needed less and household power use will decrease significantly.


That seasonal fluctuation provides a wonderful opportunity for our customers. That’s because OPD5 offers a program that will leverage that fluctuation to give you some cost predictability during the summer.


The OPD5 Levelized Billing program helps smooth out seasonal highs and lows by averaging your electric costs over a rolling 12-month period. Instead of experiencing large bill spikes during the summer, participating customers pay a more predictable monthly amount all throughout the year. This can make household budgeting easier and eliminate surprises when temperatures soar.


Customers who enroll in Levelized Billing still pay for the electricity they use, but their costs are spread more evenly over time. The program is especially helpful for families on fixed incomes or anyone who prefers greater consistency in their monthly expenses.


Unlike traditional “budget billing” programs, our Levelized Billing doesn’t require an annual ‘true-up’ payment. Instead you just continue to pay the rolling twelve-month average, keeping the payments more predictable.


If you would like to learn more about the OPD5 Levelized Billing program, please contact our customer service team or CLICK HERE for more information. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you find ways to manage your energy costs.


By combining smart energy habits with levelized billing, you can stay comfortable all summer long while keeping your electric bill more predictable.