FirstEnergy Announces Rate Increases

Pennsylvania residents served by FirstEnergy’s utilities – Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power – are facing an upcoming increase in their electricity rates. These adjustments, approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), will impact household budgets across the state. Understanding the reasons behind these changes and the resources available to help manage the increased costs is crucial for consumers. Let’s delve into the details of these rate hikes.

The Overarching Reason: Higher Capacity Costs

The primary driver behind these rate increases across all four FirstEnergy Pennsylvania utilities stems from significantly higher capacity costs. Capacity refers to the cost of ensuring there is enough power generation available to meet peak demand. In June 2024, PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for the mid-Atlantic region, held its annual capacity auction, and the results indicated a dramatic surge in pricing – a staggering 833% increase compared to the previous year.

This substantial jump in capacity costs is being passed through to consumers. As PJM ensures the reliability of the grid, these costs are a necessary component of electricity service. However, the magnitude of this increase is leading to noticeable impacts on customer bills.

Breaking Down the Rate Increases by Utility

While the underlying reason is consistent, the specific impact on customers will vary slightly depending on their FirstEnergy utility. Here’s a breakdown of the expected increases to the Price to Compare (PTC), the generation portion of your bill, and the benchmark rate for comparing offers from other suppliers, effective June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026:

Met-Ed Price to Compare:

The PTC is increasing from the current 11.011 cents per kWh to approximately 11.903 cents per kWh. This represents an increase of roughly 8.1%. For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month, this could translate to an estimated $13-$15 increase on the total monthly bill, though the actual impact varies with usage.

Penelec Price to Compare:

10.474 cents per kWh to approximately 11.003 cents per kWh, an increase of about 5.1%. A typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh monthly might see an estimated $14-$16 increase in their total bill.

Penn Power Price to Compare:

The PTC is set to increase from 11.168 cents per kWh to approximately 11.857 cents per kWh, representing an approximate 6.2% increase. Residential customers using around 1,000 kWh per month could see an estimated $14-$16 increase on their monthly bill.

West Penn Power Price to Compare:

The PTC is increasing from 9.481 cents per kWh to approximately 10.317 cents per kWh, an increase of roughly 8.8%. For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month, this could mean an estimated $12-$14 increase in their total monthly bill.

Important Note: These figures represent estimates for typical residential usage. Your actual bill increase will depend on your individual electricity consumption. Customers who use more energy will see a larger increase. These increases primarily affect the generation portion of your bill. Distribution and other service charges remain regulated.

Help for Those Facing Financial Hardship

FirstEnergy and the state of Pennsylvania offer several programs to assist customers who are struggling to afford their electricity bills. If you are concerned about your ability to pay, it’s crucial to reach out and explore these options:

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This federally funded program provides cash assistance to help eligible low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills. You can find information and application details on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
• Customer Assistance Program (CAP): Each FirstEnergy utility (Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power) offers its own CAP program. These programs provide eligible low-income customers with a reduced monthly bill based on their income and energy usage. Contact your specific utility directly to inquire about eligibility and enrollment.
• Hardship Funds: FirstEnergy’s utilities often have hardship funds available to help customers facing a temporary financial crisis. These funds can provide grants to help pay past-due balances. Contact your utility’s customer service for more information.
• Payment Arrangements: If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact your FirstEnergy utility as soon as possible to discuss potential payment arrangements. They may be able to work out a plan to help you manage your payments.
• 211 Helpline: By calling 211, you can connect with health and human service programs in your area, including energy assistance programs.

Don’t hesitate to contact your FirstEnergy utility directly to inquire about these programs and determine your eligibility. Early communication is key to finding solutions and avoiding potential service disruptions.

Three Convenient 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 PECO’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.

Stay Informed and Prepared

The upcoming electricity rate increases from FirstEnergy’s utilities will impact many Pennsylvania households. By understanding the reasons behind these changes, exploring available assistance programs, implementing energy-saving strategies, and investigating your options in the competitive electricity market, you can take steps to manage your energy costs and navigate these adjustments effectively. Stay informed about future energy updates and continue to seek ways to optimize your energy consumption.