Stay cool. Spend less. Stay safe.
Hot Texas summers are here — bringing extreme heat and higher electricity use. With the right tips and tools, you can beat the heat.
Energy-saving tips for every budget
- Set your water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees, or 115 degrees if there are only one or two people in the household.
- Save on the suds. Wash clothes in cold water and try to do only full laundry loads; if you must do smaller loads, adjust the water level to match the load size.
- Get comfortable using fans, which can make you feel up to 6 degrees cooler. And don’t forget to turn the fans off in rooms you’re not using, as they just change the wind chill, not the actual temperature.
- Set your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees when at home and above 80 degrees when away.
- Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you're finished cooking or bathing.
- Use a garden hose to remove debris from the outdoor unit of your HVAC system.
- Open your refrigerator door as seldom as possible.
- Hang your clothes to dry when possible to save energy.
- Wait until you have a full load to run the dishwasher and let your dishes air dry.
- Move lamps, TVs and other appliances away from your thermostat.
- Replace your HVAC filters monthly. Dirty filters, coils, and fans reduce airflow through HVAC systems. Reduced airflow decreases system performance, causing the HVAC system to run more frequently.
- Add insulation around electric wall plugs and wall switches with foam pads. If you have an attic, make sure your attic door is insulated. While you’re up here, consider beefing up or replacing old attic insulation and you could save up to 15% on your electric bill.
- Block out the sun with blackout curtains or blinds. Windows let the sun’s rays warm up air in our homes, so these window coverings can reduce additional radiative heating.
- Have a professional inspect your HVAC unit, insulation and ductwork to spot potential problems.
- Install LED bulbs.
- Use a slow cooker or outdoor grill in summer months to keep your kitchen cooler.
- If you’re replacing old or damaged appliances, do your research and buy Energy Star approved appliances.
- When replacing an air conditioner, do your research and look for a high-efficiency model with a an Energy Star or EnergyGuide label.
- If you’re installing a new HVAC system, ensure your contractor uses a duct-sizing methodology, installs ductwork within the conditioned space (not in the attic) wherever possible; make sure that all ducts are sealed with duct mastic and are heavily insulated.
- Use smart thermostats for precise control and remote changes in temperature.
- Consider smart ceiling fans that auto-adjust.
- Install reflective window film or motorized blinds.
Making sense of your summer bill
How weather impacts your bill
- Air conditioning works overtime: As temperatures soar, AC systems run longer to keep your home cool.
- More sunlight means more activity: Longer daylight hours often mean more time spent at home using lights, electronics and appliances.
- Home efficiency matters: Older homes, aging appliances and poor insulation can all increase energy use without you realizing it.
What you can do to lower your bill
- Use MyBluebonnet usage tools: Log in to your MyBlueonnet account to review detailed usage reports and find patterns.
- Schedule an HVAC tune-up: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, saving electricity and money.
- Adjust everyday habits: Raise your thermostat a few degrees, use fans and avoid heat-producing appliances during peak hours.
Need help paying your bill?
- Contact us early: We offer payment arrangements and bill assistance options »
- Explore relief programs: You may qualify for state or local energy assistance programs — find out more here»
MyBluebonnet tools and resources
Usage explorer
Track your energy use by hour, day or month. Spot usage spikes and adjust habits.
Usage comparison
Compare bills month-over-month. See if your energy-saving tactics are working and how weather impacts your bill.
Average usage tracker
View average use over custom time frames. Ideal for budgeting your bills.
ERCOT alerts & resources
ERCOT’s Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS) gives you real-time updates on grid conditions.
- Sign up for ERCOT notifications»
- Check daily grid status on ERCOT’s dashboard»
- Follow Bluebonnet on social media for alerts: Facebook» X» Instagram»
- Delay laundry and dishwashing
- Bump up your thermostat two to three degrees
- Unplug idle electronics
- Keep blinds and curtains closed
Staying cool and safe
Your guide to energy use, summer safety and bill support.
Summer heat makes your air conditioner work harder. Combined with longer daylight hours and higher humidity, this can significantly increase your electricity use. Even if your usage stays the same, peak-time rates may drive bills higher.
The temperature comfortable for each induvial can vary. Aim for 78° F when you're home and active. Increase it to 85° F when away. Pair with ceiling fans for comfort — fans make you feel cooler without changing the actual air temperature.
Devices in standby mode still consume power — called "vampire energy." Use power strips and turn them off when not in use to eliminate this waste.
Yes. Fans cool people, not spaces. A ceiling or portable fan can make a room feel up to 6°F cooler. Turn them off when you leave the room.
Yes. Using large appliances during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening) reduces stress on the grid and may lower your bill depending on your rate plan.
Yes. We offer budget billing, deferred payment plans, and other options. Contact us before your bill is due to enroll.
Depending on your income and household size, you may qualify for programs like:
• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
• Weatherization Assistance Program
• Local nonprofits offering utility aid
SteadyPay evens out your payments by averaging your past 12 months of usage. It helps avoid large spikes in summer or winter months. Learn more»
Contact us immediately. Bluebonnet will work with you to avoid a service interruption for nonpayment.
Watch for:
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness or dizziness
• Headache or muscle cramps
If symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention.
Yes. Use fans, drink water frequently, wear light clothing and avoid heat-producing appliances like ovens. Cool showers or damp washcloths can also help.
Yes. Use fans, drink water frequently, wear light clothing and avoid heat-producing appliances like ovens. Cool showers or damp washcloths can also help.
Ensure they have access to shade and cool water and avoid exercise during peak heat hours. Never leave pets in cars, even briefly.
Log in to your MyBluebonnet account go to the Notifications or My Usage section, and choose your alert preferences. You can also download our mobile app for on-the-go tracking.
Use the Usage Explorer and Comparison tools in your online account or MyBluebonnet app to monitor patterns and make informed changes.
Yes. A member service representative can walk you through your energy usage data and recommend personalized tips. Call 800-842-7708 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electricity across most of Texas. It ensures that electricity supply meets demand, especially during extreme weather
A Conservation Alert is a request from ERCOT asking Texans to voluntarily reduce their electricity use to avoid overloading the grid. This usually happens during extreme heat or unexpected outages at power plants.
If electricity demand is expected to outpace supply — due to heatwaves, equipment failures or low wind/solar generation — ERCOT uses alerts to stabilize the grid and prevent rotating outages.
• Bump up your thermostat two to three degrees • Delay laundry or dishwashing • Unplug non-essential electronics • Turn off unnecessary lights • Close blinds or curtains on sunny windows
• Sign up for alerts from ERCOT’s TXANS system: https://www.ercot.com
• Follow ERCOT on social media
• Opt in to email or text alerts through your online account with us