1) He should have probably invested in insulation or something. It’s ridiculous to be paying $300 to $400 per month for electricity... I’ve yet to pay even close to that in Maryland, and it gets a heck of a lot colder in the winter.
2) Trees provide shade. Shade helps to keep the house from getting as hot in the summer. A house that doesn’t get as hot doesn’t require as much cooling.
3) Ditto to what others said on the price tag. It doesn’t sound like he’s saving money at all.