business
Why some businesses pay far more for energy in summer (and others don’t)
By Stacker at KVIA ABC-7
· July 18, 2026
· 8 min read
For most businesses, energy is a line item that gets paid without much scrutiny. The bill arrives, it gets processed, and attention moves on to more pressing operational concerns. That approach is increasingly costly. Average commercial electricity rates rose 4.8% year over year as of early 2...
Key takeaway Average commercial electricity rates rose 4.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , where scorching summers are the norm, local businesses must be particularly vigilant about managing their energy costs. The city's commercial electricity rates are already subject to the 4.8% year-over-year increase reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and summer's unique cost pressures can drive those expenses even higher. For manufacturers and retailers alike, understanding how their specific energy usage patterns intersect with demand charges and contract timing is crucial to avoiding sticker shock when the summer bills arrive. El Paso businesses that work with professional energy consultants to optimize their energy consumption and negotiate favorable contracts may be better equipped to mitigate the financial impact of summer's heat, ultimately gaining a competitive edge in the local market. By taking a proactive approach to energy management, these businesses can help ensure their bottom line doesn't suffer during the city's hottest months.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For most businesses, energy is a line item that gets paid without much scrutiny. The bill arrives, it gets processed, and attention moves on to more pressing operational concerns. That approach is increasingly costly. Average commercial electricity rates rose 4.8% year over year as of early 2...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stacker at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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