Power Bills In Texas Cost More Than In 30 Other States: Study

It's no well-kept secret or breaking news story that Texas summers are hot. In fact, most Texans are probably tired of hearing about it. But what some may not know is that the soaring temperatures affect the Lone Star State's residents in more ways than the potential for sunburn and heat exhaustion.

The summer heat hits many in the wallet, right where it hurts the most. And with July typically being the hottest month of the year, many Texans will have a soaring electricity bill to look forward to.

According to a study from WalletHub, "energy costs eat between 5 and 22 percent of families’ total after-tax income in the U.S., with the poorest Americans, or 25 million households, paying the highest of that range."

And while electricity is generally cheaper in the south and midwest, high temperatures and air conditioner use usually cancel out the savings with surprisingly steep power bills.

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The WalletHub study compared the total monthly energy bills in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia using a formula that accounts for electricity, natural gas, motor fuel and home heating oil.

Here's how Texas' energy rankings shook out:

• Avg. Monthly Energy Bill: $310
• 38th – Price of Electricity
• 8th – Electricity Consumption per Consumer
• 15th – Price of Natural Gas
• 40th – Natural-Gas Consumption per Consumer
• 40th – Price of Motor Fuel
• 12th – Motor-Fuel Consumption per Driver

Overall, Texas was named the country's No. 20 most expensive state for power usage with an average monthly electricity cost of $144. And between electricity, gasoline for vehicles and natural gas, an average of $310.

One WalletHub expert recommends certain tactics that could be used to lessen power bills during peak heat season. In the summer, turn the AC up to 74º and add a fan for cooling, recommends Ismat Shah, Director of Energy and Environmental Police Program at University of Delaware.

Shah also recommends planting trees on the sides of a house that are exposed to the most sunlight.

Nerdwallet, meanwhile, recommends a few more simple changes when it comes to dropping that bill back down. Switching to more efficient light bulbs, using smart technology and checking the seals around doors and windows are effective ways to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck.

>>> See the full study via WalletHub.

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