PPL Proposes a 10% Price to Compare Increase for December 1

Why Is PPL’s Rate Going Up?

PPL doesn’t make the electricity it sells at its default rate. It buys it from power generators, and it buys it in pieces, months or even years ahead. That way, a price spike in any one purchase only affects part of the supply.

In July 2026, PPL bought 30% of its power for the coming year at slightly higher prices than the contracts they replaced. Because the other 70% was already locked in, PPL’s overall cost for the power itself rose only about 2%.

So why is PPL proposing an increase of more than 10%? The Price to Compare covers more than just the power. It also includes:

• Transmission: the cost of moving electricity across the high-voltage grid, which makes up 4.295¢ of the proposed 14.428¢ rate
• Adjustments for past periods: PPL corrects for any difference between what it expected to spend and what it actually spent, which can push the rate up or down
• State taxes: Pennsylvania’s gross receipts tax is built into the rate

Bigger forces across the grid are also at work, including investment in power lines and substations, rising demand from data centers and other large users, state and regional clean energy goals, and the cost of importing power from neighboring states.

Help for PPL Customers Struggling to Pay Their Bills

If a higher winter bill is hard to manage, you have options. PPL and the state of Pennsylvania offer assistance programs for households that need help, and some are open to every customer regardless of income. A good first step is to visit PPL’s bill help page or sign in to your PPL account and select “Get help paying.”

State Assistance: LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. It helps income-eligible households, renters and homeowners alike, pay for home heating. The 2026–2027 season runs from November 2, 2026, through April 23, 2027.

• Cash grants of $200 to $1,000 to help with heating costs. The amount depends on your income, household size, heating type, and region. Each household can receive one cash grant per season.
• Crisis grants of up to $1,000 per season for heating emergencies, such as a utility shutoff notice or running out of fuel. Contact your County Assistance Office to request one.
• Apply online through COMPASS, contact your local County Assistance Office, or call the LIHEAP Client Helpline at 1-866-857-7095.

LIHEAP has income limits and limited funding, so it’s best to apply early in the season.

PPL Programs for Income-Eligible Customers

• OnTrack: A fixed monthly payment for income-eligible customers. If you have a past-due balance, you may also qualify for debt forgiveness.
• Operation HELP: A hardship fund that provides cash grants to families struggling to pay their electric bills.
• WRAP: Free energy-saving products and services for homeowners and renters to help lower electricity use for good.

PPL Programs Open to All Customers

• Budget Billing: Averages your electricity costs over the year, so winter bills don’t arrive as one big spike.
• Payment arrangements: Pay off a past-due balance over time.
• CARES: Shutoff protection for customers facing a temporary hardship, such as an injury or illness.
• Medical certificates: If someone in your home is seriously ill, a certificate from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant may protect your service. The Pennsylvania PUC provides the form.

If you’re behind on your bill or have received a shutoff notice, contact PPL as soon as you can. Many of these programs work best before a balance grows.

How to Shop for a Better Rate Than the PPL Price to Compare

Thanks to Pennsylvania’s energy choice program, you don’t have to stay on PPL’s default rate. You can choose a licensed supplier for the electricity itself, and PPL keeps delivering your power, handling outages, and sending your bill.

Know the number to beat. PPL’s proposed residential Price to Compare for December 1 is 14.428¢ per kWh. Check your bill or PPL’s website for the final rate once the PUC approves it.

1. Compare plans. Use PA Power Switch or enter your ZIP Code on ElectricityRates.com to see offers available in PPL’s service area.
2. Consider a fixed rate for winter. A fixed-rate plan locks your price per kWh for the full contract term, so your rate won’t change at PPL’s next reset on June 1, 2027.
3. Read the fine print. Check the contract length, any monthly fees, early termination fees, and what rate applies when the term ends. Some plans roll into a variable rate that can rise.
4. Enroll with your PPL account number. Your new supplier handles the switch, and your service won’t be interrupted.

Not sure where to start? See our picks for the best Pennsylvania electricity providers.

The Bottom Line

PPL has proposed raising its Price to Compare by +10.31% to 14.428¢ per kWh on December 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, pending approval from the Pennsylvania PUC. For a typical household, that could mean about $13 more per month in supply costs, and more during cold snaps. Take a few minutes to compare fixed-rate offers against the proposed PTC. If a plan beats 14.428¢ over the same months, with terms you’re comfortable with, you could lock in steadier winter bills. Enter your ZIP Code to compare plans, or get the latest on PPL Electric rates and plans.