El Niño's effects on energy bills will vary by region. Warmer winters in the northern U.S. may reduce heating costs, while wetter conditions in the South could mitigate prolonged heatwaves, lowering cooling demand. Conversely, the Northwest and upper Midwest may experience drier, hotter summers, increasing energy use for air conditioning. A potential 'super' El Niño, with sea surface temperatures exceeding 3.6°F (2°C) above average, could amplify these impacts. Historically, strong El Niño events have led to droughts in the Plains and Midwest, resulting in higher temperatures and increased cooling needs in subsequent years.