2026 Summer Guide

Road Tripping to
Summer Energy Savings

Wherever your summer adventures take you, follow these energy savings tips to help you manage your energy use at home. Let’s hit the road with these ideas!

First Stop -
Set a Schedule

Just like your road trip, plan your energy use on a schedule.

This summer, shift your energy use away from higher-priced hours, which are typically between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.* and take advantage of lower prices on nights and weekends.

Based on average prices from January 2022 through December 2025

Map Out Your Biggest Savings Opportunities

Follow these tips to help you manage your energy use all summer. Plus, the actions you take now can help you lower your bill next summer!

Run your dishwasher at night or do laundry during lower-priced hours, like nights and weekends. Avoid using large appliances during higher-priced periods.

Pre-cool your home for your best summer savings. Adjust your thermostat to 69°–72° during the night and early morning, and to 82°–85° in the afternoon, when energy demand is higher. Then, later in the evening, adjust it between 75° and 78°.

Set your ceiling fans to run counterclockwise. It will push air down to help keep you comfortable.

Keep your window coverings closed to keep the sun out. It makes a big difference!

See How to Optimize
Hourly Pricing

Capacity Charge

All electric utility customers pay capacity charges to reserve enough electricity supply to meet demand, including peak hours. Your Capacity Charge is based on your usage during the summer and takes effect the following June. Reducing your energy use during peak hours this summer will reduce the Capacity Charge on your bills starting June 2027.

Get Notifed

Hourly Pricing Alerts let you know when electricity prices are trending higher or if energy is expected to be in high demand the following day.

Are you enrolled?
Log in to your My Hourly Pricing Account to sign up or update your alert preferences.

Automate Energy Savings

Did you know you can take more control of your energy use when you connect your smart thermostat to If This Then That (IFTTT), a free web-based service? See how it works!

Get started with IFTTT at ComEd.com/IFTTT

3 More Tips to
Help You Save

Unplug before you head out! Be sure to unplug devices and electronics when you’re on the road – and even when you’re home and they aren’t in use.

Fire up the grill on the road and at home! Make your favorite summer recipe on the grill instead of using your stove or oven. You’ll use less energy and keep the excess heat out of your home.

Avoid energy leaks and detours! Preventing air leaks is one of the best ways to keep warm air out and cool air in. Simple caulking and weather-stripping can help you save on heating and cooling costs.

More Ways to Manage Your
Energy Bill

ComEd offers a variety of resources and rebates to help you save energy, reduce costs and help make bills more affordable.

  • ComEd Go Electric: Looking for efficient heating and cooling options? Learn more about the benefits of electric heat pumps and how upgrading can help you save on your energy bills.
  • ComEd Efficient Choice: Time to upgrade an appliance? Compare appliances by price, features, energy efficiency score and customer reviews to find the best fit and see if a product qualifies for a rebate.
  • ComEd Energy Efficiency Rebates: Save money on energy-efficient appliances and home products with rebates and discounts on ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats, air purifiers, clothes washers and dryers and more.
  • ComEd’s Free Home Energy Assessment: Complete a free home assessment to discover opportunities to lower your energy use, including free products and personalized tips designed to save you money and energy.
  • ComEd’s Central Air Conditioning (AC) Cycling: Learn how you can earn credits on your bill with your central AC!
  • ComEd’s Peak Time Savings (PTS): Looking for extra summer savings? Pair Hourly Pricing with Peak Time Savings to earn bill credits while you are reducing your energy use during Peak Time Savings Summer Hours.
  • ComEd’s Energy Savings: If you need assistance with your electric bill, check out these resources and tips on managing current and future costs.

We’re along
for the ride!

We’re here to discuss the best electricity rate option for your household or ways to manage your savings!

Contact us at info@ComEdHourlyPricing.com or 888-202-7787.

 

*Depending on market conditions, prices can vary from this typical pattern. Savings cannot be guaranteed.