Brace for Impact: PPL Electric Rate Change Taking Effect December 2025

Why Are Electricity Rates Rising?

It’s important to understand that in Pennsylvania, PPL is responsible for delivering electricity but does not generate it. The rising Price to Compare reflects volatile conditions in the wholesale energy market.

The primary factors driving this substantial cost increase include:

• Surging Capacity Costs:The regional power grid operator, PJM Interconnection, held capacity auctions that resulted in dramatically higher prices. These capacity costs are fees utilities pay to ensure there is enough power generation available to meet peak demand, especially during extreme weather events.
• Rising Demand:Growing electricity demand from industries such as data centers and the broader electrification of homes and vehicles is straining the grid and driving up power prices.
• Natural Gas Volatility:Natural gas remains a primary fuel source for electricity generation. Fluctuations and generally higher prices for natural gas directly translate into higher electricity generation costs.

PPL does not profit from these generation supply costs; they are simply passed through to customers.

Your Options: How to Offset Rising Costs

PPL customers have two immediate paths to mitigate the financial impact of the rising rates:

1. Shop for a New Electricity Supplier

Pennsylvania Energy Choice allows you to choose an alternative supplier for your electricity generation.

• The Goal: Find a fixed-rate plan that offers a lower price per kWh than PPL’s Price to Compare (PTC) of $0.12491/kWh (and the pending higher rate expected on December 1st).
• Where to Shop: Use the official state website, PA Power Switch or our electricity marketplace, to compare current fixed-rate offers from licensed suppliers. Locking in a low fixed rate now can protect you from the utility’s expected December 1st increase.

2. Get Help and Improve Efficiency

For residents who need financial assistance or want long-term savings, PPL offers several programs:

• OnTrack: Special payment plan for income-eligible customers that offers lower fixed monthly payments, protection from shutoffs, and debt forgiveness.
• LIHEAP: Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Provides free grants to help with winter heating bills and energy emergencies.
• Operation HELP: PPL’s charitable fund that provides cash grants to help eligible customers with any type of home heating bill (electric, gas, or oil).
• WRAP (Weatherization/Energy Efficiency Program:) Qualify for a free home energy assessment, energy education, and free energy-efficient products (like insulation and caulking) to reduce energy use.

For more information and to check your eligibility for these and other programs (like payment arrangements or budget billing), visit our page about Energy Assistance Programs in PA or contact the Pennsylvania PUC.

The impending rate change is a reminder that being proactive is the best defense against rising utility costs. Compare supplier rates today and take advantage of all available assistance programs to keep your home warm and your budget stable this winter.