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How to Compare PA Electric Rates
A guide to comparing electricity plans in Pennsylvania
Key Takeaways
- PA Electric Choice empowers you to select your electricity supplier, potentially lowering your energy costs and tailoring your service to your needs. This program has been a game-changer for Pennsylvania residents since its introduction in 1996.
- Pennsylvania's average residential electricity price stands at 17.60 cents per kilowatt-hour as of December 2024, with typical monthly bills around $150. While this is slightly above the national average, the power of choice gives you the opportunity to find more competitive rates.
- Major utilities like Duquesne Light, PECO, PPL Electric, and Met-Ed play crucial roles in Pennsylvania's energy landscape. They provide the "Price to Compare," an essential benchmark for evaluating competitive supplier offers.
Table of Contents
Why Switch Providers?
Average Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
As of December 2024, the average residential electricity price in Pennsylvania stands at 17.60 cents per kilowatt-hour, resulting in typical monthly bills of around $148.89 for an average consumption of 846 kWh. While these figures place Pennsylvania slightly above the national average, they’re just a starting point. Your actual costs can vary significantly based on your usage patterns, chosen plan, and location within the state.
How Does Pennsylvania Compare Nationally?
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17.60¢ Average Rate per/kWh (as of December 2024) 11th Highest Nationally -
846 kWh Average Usage per/mo 32nd Highest Nationally -
$148.49 Average Cost per/mo 26th Highest Nationally
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Factors Influencing PA Electric Rates
Several factors influence electricity rates in Pennsylvania, including:
- Supply and Demand: During peak usage times, such as hot summer afternoons, electricity prices can spike due to increased demand.
- Fuel Costs: Pennsylvania’s electricity generation mix includes natural gas, nuclear, coal, and renewables. Fluctuations in fuel costs, especially natural gas, can significantly impact electricity rates.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme weather events can drive up energy consumption and prices. Climate change may lead to more volatile energy prices in the future.
- Regulatory Changes: State and federal energy policies, such as Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS), play a crucial role in shaping the electricity market and influencing prices.
- Infrastructure Investments: The costs of maintaining and upgrading Pennsylvania’s power grid are factored into electricity rates. While these investments may impact prices, they also promise improved reliability and efficiency.
Understanding these factors empowers you to make more informed decisions about your energy supply, whether you’re considering a fixed-rate plan for stability or a variable-rate plan to take advantage of market fluctuations.
How Energy Choice Lets You Compare PA Electric Rates
The benefits of deregulation extend beyond just competitive pricing. The open market has sparked creativity in the energy sector, leading to a diverse array of electricity plan options. Consumers can now choose from traditional fixed-rate plans, dynamic variable-rate options, time-of-use plans that reward off-peak usage, and even plans bundled with smart home technologies. This variety gives unprecedented control over energy consumption and costs.
Perhaps the most significant impact of deregulation is the empowerment of consumers. No longer limited by geographic location, Pennsylvanians can choose plans that align with their budget, consumption patterns, and environmental values. As the market continues to evolve with regular reviews and updates from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), the possibilities for energy consumers in the Keystone State are bound to expand even further.
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A Guide to Selecting a Pennsylvania Electricity Provider
There are dozens of electricity providers in Pennsylvania, but not all are created equal. The best combine great rates, fantastic service and more to deliver a customer-first experience.
ElectricityRates.com created the Provider Score rating system to assess providers based on these important criteria. To see how providers stack up against each other, check out our Best Pennsylvania Electricity Providers report.
Tips for Choosing a Provider
- Evaluate Your Needs: Consider your energy usage patterns, budget, and preferences for renewable energy.
- Compare Rates and Plans: Use ElectricityRates.com to compare different providers and plans.
- Check Reviews and Ratings: Look for customer reviews and ratings to gauge provider reliability and customer service.
- Understand Contract Terms: Pay attention to contract length, cancellation fees, and other terms
Types of Electricity Plans in PA
When it comes to electricity plans in Pennsylvania, one size doesn’t fit all. The deregulated market offers a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences:
- Fixed-Rate Plans: These plans lock in your electricity supply rate for the duration of your contract, typically ranging from 6 to 36 months. They’re ideal for consumers who prefer predictable bills and protection from market fluctuations.
- Variable-Rate Plans: With these plans, your rate can change month-to-month based on market conditions. They offer the potential for savings during periods of low demand but may lead to higher bills during peak times.
- 100% Renewable Plans: Choose plans that exclusively source energy from renewable resources, supporting environmental sustainability. These plans are perfect for environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
When selecting a plan, consider factors like your risk tolerance, budget, and long-term energy goals. Shorter plans offer more flexibility, while longer-term contracts often provide more stable rates.
Commitment to Renewable Energy Options in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is making significant strides in renewable energy adoption. The state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) require a certain percentage of electricity sold by utilities to come from renewable sources, driving innovation and investment in clean energy technologies.
As a consumer, you can play a role in this green revolution by choosing a 100% renewable energy plan. These plans source electricity from:
- Solar Power: Pennsylvania’s solar industry is growing rapidly, with the state aiming to produce 10% of its electricity from solar by 2030.
- Wind Energy: The state has several wind farms, particularly in the Appalachian Mountain region.
- Hydroelectric Power: Pennsylvania’s rivers, including the Susquehanna, provide clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
- Biomass: The state’s abundant forest resources contribute to its biomass energy production.
By opting for a renewable plan, you’re not just powering your home – you’re investing in a sustainable future for Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Utility Companies
While you can choose your electricity supplier, your local utility company still plays a crucial role in delivering power to your home or business. Major utilities in Pennsylvania include:
- Duquesne Light: Serving the Pittsburgh area and surrounding counties.
- Met-Ed: A subsidiary of FirstEnergy, serving eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania.
- Pike County Light & Power
- PECO: The largest electric and natural gas utility in Pennsylvania, serving the Philadelphia region.
- PPL Electric: Provides electricity to central and eastern Pennsylvania.
- Penelec
- Penn Power
- West Penn Power
These utilities provide the “Price to Compare,” a benchmark rate that helps you evaluate offers from competitive suppliers. The Price to Compare includes the costs of electric generation and transmission but not distribution charges. It’s updated periodically, often quarterly or bi-annually, to reflect changes in the wholesale electricity market.
Business and Commercial Electricity Rates in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s energy choice program isn’t just for residential customers – businesses can also benefit significantly from the competitive market. Here’s how:
- Customized Plans: Energy suppliers offer plans tailored to the unique needs of businesses, from small retail shops to large industrial operations.
- Potential for Significant Savings: By shopping for competitive rates, businesses can potentially save thousands of dollars annually on their energy costs.
- Energy Management Tools: Many suppliers offer sophisticated platforms that allow businesses to track their usage, identify inefficiencies, and implement cost-saving measures.
- Sustainability Options: For businesses looking to meet sustainability goals, suppliers offer renewable energy plans and carbon offset options.
- Expert Guidance: Many suppliers provide dedicated account managers who can offer expert advice on energy procurement strategies and efficiency measures.
To explore business electricity rates get started below by entering your ZIP Code to find the best plan for your company, or visit our business page for more information about electricity rates for businesses.
All PA Electricity Providers
Constellation
- Provider Score™ 4.82 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas CT, DC, GA, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX
Provider Bio
Constellation is the nation's leading provider of carbon-free energy with a commitment to be 100% carbon-free by 2040. They serve over 2.5 million residential and business customers across the United States.
Direct Energy
- Provider Score™ 4.64 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas CT, DC, IL, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX
Provider Bio
Serving nearly 4 million residential customers, Direct Energy is one of the largest electricity, natural gas and home services providers in North America. They are also one of the largest commercial and industrial electricity with over 240,000 business electricity customers.
Clearview Energy
- Provider Score™ 4.48 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas DC, IL, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI
Provider Bio
Serving 8 states and the District of Columbia, Clearview Energy offers competitive energy plans and world-class customer service while supporting sustainability efforts, like the Shaw Institute and the Scripps Polar Center. Because we care about our customers - today and for generations to come.
Energy Harbor
- Provider Score™ 4.39 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas IL, MD, OH, PA
Provider Bio
Energy Harbor is a retail energy provider specializing in providing clean, carbon-free energy for residents and businesses. They’re headquartered in Akron, Ohio and serve nearly one-million customers across Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Safety, reliability and sustainability are outlined as Energy Harbor’s core values.
Public Power
- Provider Score™ 4.29 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas CT, DC, IL, MA, MD, NY, OH, PA, RI
Provider Bio
Public Power is a retail energy provider that serves states throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Since 2008, they have served over one million homes and businesses. They pride themselves on offering competitive, and straight-forward energy plans with hassle-free customer service.
Green Mountain Energy
- Provider Score™ 4.19 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, TX
Provider Bio
Green Mountain Energy is the oldest renewable retail electricity provider. Since its founding in 1997, Green Mountain Energy has expanded into seven electricity markets, with its customers avoiding nearly 100 billion pounds of carbon emissions through its renewable energy plans and services.
Inspire Clean Energy
- Provider Score™ 4.13 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas DC, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA
Provider Bio
Inspire Clean Energy is on a mission to transform the way people access clean energy in order to combat climate change and accelerate a net-zero carbon future.
APG&E
- Provider Score™ 4.08 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX
Provider Bio
APG&E was founded in 2004 in Texas and now serves homes and business across the U.S. They provide simple, easy to understand, and transparent product solutions to fit everyone's needs. They strive to help customers make informed choices, and deliver the affordable energy solutions and excellent customer experience.
Frontier Utilities
- Provider Score™ 4.05 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas NJ, OH, PA, TX
Provider Bio
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Frontier Utilities has been providing affordable energy plans to its customers for over a decade. Frontier’s mission is to create superior value and service for its customers, employees, communities and investors through the sale and supply of energy and related services.
Spark Energy
- Provider Score™ 3.98 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas CT, IL, MA, NJ, NY, PA, TX
Provider Bio
Spark Energy was found in 1999 in Houston, Texas and was an early pioneer in the retail energy market. Spark Energy prides itself on 3 specialties that set them apart from the rest: energy savings knowledge, customer service and community support.
Verde Energy
- Provider Score™ 3.57 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas CT, DC, MA, NJ, NY, OH, PA
Provider Bio
Verde Energy USA was founded to help residents and businesses take advantage of the savings associated with state energy deregulation and the choice it provides. They are also committed to helping Americans move toward a more environmentally sound and economically sustainable renewable energy infrastructure.
SmartEnergy
- Provider Score™ 3.43 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas DC, IL, MA, MD, NH, NJ, OH, PA, RI
Provider Bio
SmartEnergy is proud to offer 100% green energy. It's their mission to prove that helping the environment doesn’t have to come at the expense of your wallet. They promise social responsibility while providing uncompromisable service to their customers.
Major Energy
- Provider Score™ 3.24 / 5
- Energy Options
- Service Areas CT, DC, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA
Provider Bio
Major Energy is an electricity company based out of Houston that serves deregulated electricity and natural gas markets throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Major Energy offers multiple fixed-rate electricity plans, and also provides the ability to manage your account online.
Electricity Rates Popular in PA Cities
- Allentown
- Bensalem
- Bethlehem
- Erie
- Harrisburg
- Lancaster
- Levittown
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Reading
- Scranton
- Delaware County
- York
- Upper Darby
Pennsylvania Electricity Rates FAQs
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Most Pennsylvania residents benefit from Energy Choice. This means they can compare competing offers from electricity providers and choose the best one for their home. You have Energy Choice if your local utility provider is Duquesne Light, Met-Ed, Pike County Light & Power, PECO, PPL Electric, Penelec, Penn Power, or West Penn Power.
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PA Power Switch is the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission’s official energy shopping site. It showcases many electricity providers and plans. However, some of these plans and providers have hidden fees that can end up costing you more if you don’t understand your electricity contract, which is why an alternative like ElectricityRates.com is an excellent choice.
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Pennsylvania mainly generates electricity from natural gas, nuclear energy, and coal. Here is an approximate breakdown of sources as of January 2024:
Natural Gas: 53.7%, Nuclear: 30.6%, Coal: 11.7%., Renewables: 3.7% -
It depends. PA electricity providers offer different rates at different times depending on what they can offer. The best way to find the cheapest supplier is by checking ElectricityRates.com, entering your ZIP Code, and comparing offers. If you’re willing to lock in a longer-term contract, you can usually secure a lower rate.
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PA Electric Choice allows Pennsylvania residents to choose their electricity suppliers while utilities continue to deliver the electricity. This deregulation promotes competition among suppliers and can lead to better rates and more options.
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Fixed-Rate Plans: Offer price stability by locking in your rate for the duration of the contract, protecting you from market fluctuations.
Variable-Rate Plans: Rates can fluctuate based on market conditions, potentially leading to lower costs during certain periods but can also increase during peak times.
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Yes, businesses in Pennsylvania can also take advantage of the PA Electric Choice program by comparing rates and selecting plans that best suit their energy needs. Customized plans can lead to significant savings.