Hot days are here—and your electric bill knows it. As temperatures rise, so do prices. But there’s a quiet strategy people are using to fight back.

It doesn’t require new gadgets or cutting back completely. It just takes a little timing.

Why your bill is about to spike​

Summer officially begins with the solstice in late June, and with it comes the season of record-high cooling costs.

Experts say the average American household will spend nearly $800 just to stay comfortable.

That’s 6% more than last year—and the most in over a decade.

The “free electricity” window most people ignore​

One power company, Amigo Energy, offers 70 hours of free electricity every week.

The catch? You just have to shift your energy use between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

That’s right—running appliances, charging devices, or cranking the A/C during overnight hours could save you up to $128.52 this summer.

What to run—and when​

Here’s how smart households are stacking the savings:

• Set your dishwasher and washing machine on a timer.
• Use your dryer after 9 p.m.
• Cool your home overnight with your thermostat lowered slightly.
• Charge laptops, phones, and EVs while you sleep.
• Use smart plugs to automate larger appliances.

The key? Let the clock work for you.

Why this works​

When fewer people are using power (like late at night), energy is cheaper.

Some plans pass those savings to the customer—if they’re willing to adjust.

It’s a win-win: You lower your bill. The grid avoids extra strain.

Tiny tweaks. Big payoff.​

Amigo Energy says this small habit could save customers:

• $10.71 per week
• $42.82 per month
• Up to $128.52 across the three hottest months

That’s money you could redirect toward groceries, travel, or anything else this expensive summer.

More ways to chill without the price spike​

Want to double down? Try these extra tips:

• Shade your A/C unit to boost its efficiency.
• Clean your filters monthly.
• Leave the thermostat alone—constant adjusting wastes energy.
• Reverse your ceiling fan to push cool air down.
• Move electronics away from thermostats—they trick the sensors.
• Use a fan to circulate air without extra cooling power.
  

Who benefits most from this hack?​

This “Nights Free” strategy works especially well for:

• Night owls
• Shift workers
• Families with flexible schedules
• Anyone with smart appliances or timers

Even renters can cash in—no big upgrades required.

Is your routine already costing you money?​

Many people don’t realize how much their habits add up.

Laundry at 6 p.m.? Peak pricing. Dishwasher right after dinner? Missed opportunity.

But with a simple shift in schedule, you could turn energy waste into energy wins.

Also read:

• A little thing called “lifestyle creep” might be ruining your finances. Here’s what you need to know.
• Stop overpaying! 3 simple tricks could cut $605 from your summer energy bill

Do you use energy-saving habits at home? Tried something similar that actually worked? Drop your best hacks in the comments—someone else could use the help.