A Guide to Understanding Penelec Electricity Rates

Penelec Energy Choice

By default, Penelec customers receive both their electricity delivery and supply from the utility. By participating in Energy Choice (sometimes called PA Electric Choice), Penelec customers can choose their electricity provider and realize potential savings over the default rate charged for electricity supply (Price to Compare).

There are over 100 electricity providers that Penelec customers can choose from, ranging from small, local electric companies in Pennsylvania to large national providers like Constellation and Direct Energy. Some providers, like Clearview Energy, specialize in providing 100% renewable energy plans.

Having so many options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to Energy Choice. ElectricityRates.com makes your choice simple by eliminating the guesswork and only bringing you great rates from leading providers to choose between in our Marketplace.

Check out our full list of the Best PA Electricity Providers to see who makes the top five.

Penelec Customers Who Have Switched to a Retail Electric Supplier

All Penelec customers have Energy Choice, which means you can switch to a retail electricity provider and realize savings on your monthly bill.

Percentage based on the total number of customers of regulated electric utilities in Pennsylvania as of May 2025.

Three Ways to Compare Rates and Secure a Fixed-Rate Plan

Pennsylvania consumers have several avenues available to explore competitive electricity rates and potentially lock in a fixed-rate plan to avoid Penelec’s Price to Compare fluctuations:

1. Explore the PA Power Switch Website: The PA Power Switch website operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission offers a comprehensive marketplace with potentially hundreds of competing energy offers. While this provides a wide array of choices, navigating through numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can sometimes feel overwhelming.
2. Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed to streamline your rate comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Pennsylvania, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.
3. Shop Directly Through Supplier Websites: You also have the option to visit individual energy suppliers’ websites. However, keep in mind that you will only see the plans offered by that specific supplier, requiring you to visit multiple websites to get a broader view of the competitive landscape.

Understanding Your Penelec Electricity Bill

You will find two types of charges on your Penelec electricity bill: delivery charges and supply charges. Switching electricity providers allows you to take control of your electricity supply charges.

Utility Delivery Charges

These charges go to your utility company Penelec and ensure the reliable delivery of electricity. They will be labeled on your bill as “Charges From Penelec.” These charges are set by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, so they do not change when you switch electricity providers.

Electricity Supply Charges

Electricity supply charges are the charges for the electricity you use. These charges are based on your electricity supply rate, which is on your electricity bill (use this rate when comparing electricity providers).

To learn more about your Penelec electricity bill, click here.

Penelec Financial Assistance Programs

If you’re a Penelec customer in Pennsylvania and are having trouble paying your electricity bill, you have several important financial assistance options. It’s best to reach out for help as soon as possible to prevent disconnections and explore all available resources.

Here are a few key options:

• Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP): This is a flagship program for income-eligible residential customers. PCAP aims to make your monthly bills more affordable by basing payments on a percentage of your household income. It also offers significant benefits like debt forgiveness for pre-program balances and may include referrals to the WARM Program for energy efficiency upgrades.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This is a federally funded grant program administered by the state of Pennsylvania. LIHEAP provides financial assistance for heating bills (cash grants) and can also help in emergency situations (crisis grants) if you’re facing a shut-off or need to restore service. You don’t necessarily need to have an unpaid bill to qualify for a cash grant.
• Dollar Energy Fund: This is an emergency hardship fund that provides one-time cash grants to customers facing a financial crisis. These grants are applied directly to your Penelec bill to help maintain or restore service. Income guidelines apply, often up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, and usually require a “sincere effort of payment” on your account within the last 90 days.
• WARM Program (Low Income Usage Reduction Program – LIURP): This program focuses on helping income-eligible customers reduce their energy consumption. Penelec offers free in-home energy evaluations and may install energy-saving measures (like insulation, weather-stripping, or efficient lighting) in your home at no cost to you, which can lead to long-term savings on your bills.
• Payment Arrangements and Extensions: If you’re facing a temporary hardship, Penelec may allow you to set up a payment plan to pay off your past-due balance over time, or they might offer a short extension on your bill’s due date. It’s always best to contact Penelec directly to discuss these options.

Remember, reaching out as soon as you anticipate difficulty paying is key. The Penelec website (www.firstenergycorp.com/penelec) also has a “Help with Bills” section that details these and other options. You can also dial 211 to be connected with local resources and programs in your area.

There’s bound to be something for you, so learn about all of Penelec’s customer programs to see how you can save.

Contact Information

• Residential Customer Service Number: 1-800-545-7741
• Report An Outage/Emergency Number: 1-888-544-4877
• Website Contact Information Page
• Penelec (First Energy) Account Login