PA Power Switch: The Best Place to Compare?

If you live in Pennsylvania, you have options when it comes to choosing the best energy supplier for your home (or business). PA Power Switch is the official energy comparison website managed by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission where you’ll find hundreds of competing offers from licensed Pennsylvania energy providers.

Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of switching energy providers on PA Power Switch versus energy comparison sites like ElectricityRates.com.

How Does the PA Power Switch Website Work?

The onset of electricity deregulation in the state eventually stirred the creation of the flagship electricity marketplace, PA Power Switch. The website was created by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and is an electricity marketplace platform that enables PA residents to compare and choose their electricity provider. By visiting the website, users can access a comprehensive list of licensed suppliers operating within the state. The website provides detailed information about each supplier, including pricing, contract terms, and customer reviews.

By visiting the website, users can access a comprehensive list of licensed suppliers operating within the state. After providing a ZIP code, customers can browse detailed information about each supplier, including pricing, contract terms, and customer reviews.

What is Pennsylvania Energy Choice?

Most PA residents have the ability to choose their electricity provider. Your utility company will determine whether you have access to Energy Choice. Eight of the most prominent utility companies in the state offer Energy Choice.

• Penelec – Serves wide areas of rural Pennsylvania, including the northwest, northeast, and central regions.
• Duquesne Light Company – Delivers electricity to the greater Pittsburgh area.
• Penn Power – Serves western counties such as Mercer, Lawrence and part of Beaver.
• West Penn Power – This provider serves areas sporadically throughout the state, including the southwest, south and north central areas.
• Pike County Light & Power – Smaller utility provider serving Sussex County.
• PECO – This utility services the largest population in PA. Including Philadelphia and the surrounding metropolitan area.
• Met Ed – Services residents in southern and far eastern parts of the state.
• PPL Electric – This provider serves a vast area covering central and northeastern PA.

All of these utility providers are responsible for maintaining the electricity infrastructure in PA and will continue to handle the physical delivery of electricity, even if the supplier changes.

Understanding Your Electricity Bill

Before delving into shopping for an electricity provider, it is essential to understand the components of an electricity bill. This understanding will enable consumers to make more informed decisions when shopping. An electricity bill typically consists of several elements:

• Energy Charge: This component reflects the cost of electricity consumed during the billing period. This charge is calculated based on the kilowatt-hours (kWh) used and the rate agreed upon with the supplier.
• Distribution Charge: This element covers the cost of delivering electricity to the consumer’s home. This charge is set by the local utility company and is typically based on the consumer’s usage or a fixed fee.
• Taxes, Fees, and Other Charges: These additional costs vary depending on the location and may include state taxes, regulatory fees, or renewable energy surcharges.

By understanding these components, consumers can better assess the offers presented on the PA Power Switch website or any other electricity marketplace.

Pros and Cons of the PA Power Switch Website

The PA Power Switch website is a useful tool that helps deliver power into the hands of customers. However, it has some pros and cons you should keep in mind when making use of it.

PA Power Switch Pros

• Gives individuals the power to switch their electricity provider and find a provider that offers competitive rates, green energy options, or superior customer service.
• Provides consumers with a comprehensive list of all electricity suppliers serving the state.
• Made it easier for PA residents to understand what Energy Choice was and why it was implemented.

PA Power Switch Cons

• Any provider can list their plans on the site regardless of their reputation, customer service complaints, PUC violations, or BBB rating.
• Providers only need to show basic information about their offers allowing unscrupulous companies to hide their tricky fine print from unsuspecting customers.
• There is no consumer complaint data available on the PA Power Switch website, making it difficult to know who reputable providers are.

Fortunately, these negative aspects are relatively easy to fix, and alternative sites often address them.

Alternatives to PA Power Switch

While PA Power Switch has many options to choose from, the list has less curation than some of the alternatives. This is because any licensed provider can place their offers on PA Power Switch. This can include electricity plans with hidden fees or providers with bad service. ElectricityRates.com, an alternative to PA Power Switch, offers differences like:

• Reputable Providers: More strict criteria for plans are included, in order to avoid recommending providers with less-than-ideal services.
• Transparent Rates: Plans are summarized in an easy-to-understand format, with clearly disclosed terms, conditions, and early cancellation fees.
• Industry Expertise: Resources and research articles on the best electricity providers and quick ways to save money on your monthly energy bill.

As with PA Power Switch, it’s always important to carefully analyze each plan and understand what makes them different.

What To Look for When Comparing PA Power Switch Rates and Plans

One of the most valuable features of an electricity comparison website is the ability to compare rates and plans from various suppliers. This comparison allows consumers to evaluate different offers side by side and make an informed decision. When comparing rates and plans, it is essential to consider the following:

• Energy Charge: Compare the rates offered by each supplier. Note of whether the rate is fixed or variable and whether there are any additional charges.
• Contract Length: Evaluate the length of the contract. Consider whether you prefer a long-term agreement or a shorter-term commitment.
• Renewable Energy Options: If you prioritize green energy, look for suppliers that offer renewable energy plans. These plans may come with a slightly higher rate but contribute to a cleaner environment.
• Customer Reviews: The feedback from customer reviews can help to provide insight into the satisfaction levels of existing customers.
• Additional Fees:Plans could have additional fees or charges that may apply. These could include fees for enrollment, early termination, or paper billing.

By thoroughly comparing rates, contract terms, renewable energy options, customer reviews, and additional fees, consumers can make an informed decision and select the electricity plan that best suits their needs.

PA Power Switch in Pennsylvania Cities

Learn more about comparing rates by finding your Pennsylvania city below:

• Allentown
• Bensalem
• Bethlehem
• Erie
• Harrisburg
• Lancaster
• Levittown
• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Reading
• Scranton
• Delaware County
• York
• Upper Darby

Pennsylvania PUC Contact Information

To get in contact with the Pennsylvania PUC to report a complaint or ask questions about alternative energy suppliers, you can contact them in these ways:

• www.puc.state.pa.us
• Phone: 1-800-692-7380
• File a complaint