Pennsylvania Electricity Rates
In terms of residential prices in the United States, Pennsylvania residents pay the 15th highest prices according to the latest report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
With Pennsylvania electricity rates on the rise, now is a better time than ever for PA residents to switch electricity providers.
Pennsylvania Electric Choice
The Electric Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act of 1996 and the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act of 1999 were enacted to deregulate the energy markets in Pennsylvania. This allowed utility customers the ability to shop around for the supply portion of their electricity and natural gas supply from various retail electricity providers in the state. By 2011, Pennsylvania was fully deregulated, meaning almost all customers are able to participate in electric choice.
Pennsylvania Public Utilities
Pennsylvania’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) – and include:
- West Penn Power
- Duquesne Light Company
- Met-Ed
- PECO
- PPL
- Penn Power
- Pike County Light & Power Company
- UGI
- Citizens’ Electric Compan
- Wellsboro Electric Company
PA Power Switch
Prior to deregulation, Pennsylvania consistently had some of the highest energy rates in the country. By its very purpose, deregulation has caused retail energy providers to compete with each other for customers, and this competition has helped to bring lower energy prices, more customized and flexible plans, and more energy products and services. To check out some of the current providers, be sure to check out our PA electricity providers page.
Compare Pennsylvania Electricity Rates
It’s not complicated to compare and change your Pennsylvania electricity provider. Go to the right side of this page, type in your zip code in the compare & switch tool and click search. Then choose your utility from the drop down menu and compare plans. Once you’ve decided on the contract that’s right for you, click continue and enroll right through our site. Its that simple. Nothing needs to be installed, and you will start seeing savings on your monthly bill in one to two cycles.
But how do you decide which contract is the best? It’s not just by finding the lowest advertised rate. Rates are important, but also look for the following:
- Contract Duration: Electricity contracts can last for 3 to 24 months or more, and some providers offer variable month-to-month terms. This is probably the greatest consideration, aside from rate pricing, since you are locked into a rate for the duration of the contract. Longer contracts more often offer lower rates than shorter contracts, but nevertheless, you are locked into the chosen supplier and rate for the contract duration.
- Pricing Structures: Many retail electricity providers offer fixed and variable pricing structures. Fixed pricings locks in one low rate for the duration of the contract, while variable pricing is subject to change daily or monthly. The best structure depends on your comfort level with risk: variable pricing is often higher, but you can cancel the contract at any time; fixed pricing is lower, but you’re locked in for the duration of the contract.
- Other Incentives to Switch: Environmentally-conscious customers can choose plans that offer all or a portion of the electric supply that is sourced from clean or renewable sources, and many companies apply renewable energy credits (RECs) to these customers. Other incentives include signup bonuses, multiple bill-pay options, and more.