PTC Rates Continue to Rise in December
It’s going to be a wild winter for your electricity bills! Heating costs are mostly mild for now, thanks in part to the mild weather. However that weather may take a turn thanks to the current El Niño. That’s because El Niños tend to nudge the vortex from its spot over the Arctic. As a result, we may see some bitter cold snaps that briefly drive up heating costs. Additionally, all of PA’s major utilities are increasing their PTC rates on December 1! Thankfully, we’re here to explain the rate changes. And how to lock in a low PA electric rate for the New Year.
Utilities and December PTC Rates
For the most part, not every utility has filed their full official rate change. Basically, First Energy utilities have already filed their new PTC rates but several have only filed their Generation Supply Adjustment (GSA). In short, the GSA is the supply cost of the full price to compare (PTC). The other part is the transmission charge. That is determined by the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC). However, the GSA amounts still provide a clue to how much higher the new rates will be.
DLC has only filed their GSA, but has posted their estimated PTC rate. However, PECO has only posted their GSA, with a 10% increase. Lastly, PPL has not yet filed any changes. At the moment, they are currently facing a PUC complaint that could change how they share costs with their customers. So, we’re going to estimate their new PTC rate at 5% based on the average increases from the other utilities.
But if you are paying the PTC rate to your PA utility, then you have some time to shop for and lock in a plan that already beats that higher rate! And to make it easy for PA electricity consumers, we’ve already sorted through the plans with the cheapest electric rates.
| Utility Name | Current PTC Rate ¢/kWh | Est. PTC Rate on December 1, 2026 | Recommended Plan |
| PECO | 11.759¢ | 12.944¢ | Major Energy Secure Choice 12 11.49¢/kwh |
| DLC | 14.14¢ | 14.56¢ | Powervine Energy Freedom Preferred 12 14.39¢/kwh |
| PPL | 13.147¢ | 13.804¢ | Verde Energy Clean Power 12 13.29¢/kwh |
| Met-Ed | 13.954¢ | 14.422¢ | Major Energy Secure Choice 12 12.99¢/kwh |
| Penelec | 13.143¢ | 13.564¢ | Direct Energy Live Brighter 12 13.39¢/kwh |
| Penn Power | 13.478¢ | 13.893¢ | Major Energy Secure Choice 12 13.39¢/kwh |
| West Penn Power | 12.076¢ | 12.386¢ | Inspire Clean Energy Inspire Fixed 12 12.0¢/kwh |
PA Utilities and the Electric PTC Rates Crisis
PA utilities have been raising their PTC rates sharply since 2024, with no end in sight. The average PA electric bill has seen an increase of 51% since 2024! High electricity demand, combined with a tight supply, led to price jumps during the PJM capacity auctions. These higher prices are passed on to utilities and electric suppliers that buy the power, and then to you. And the PA PUC shared a warning that with the influx of data centers, rates will keep climbing.
Shop and Save for the New Year
Lawmakers are focused on utility reform, working to keep electricity affordable. However, this winter weather could make prices even more unpredictable. So, the only real way to guarantee savings on your electricity bill is to snap up a fixed-rate energy plan.
Thankfully, shopping with PA Energy Ratings the find the best energy supplier is easy. Plus, you can compare rates, read reviews, and learn more. Start the new year off right, and visit https://www.paenergyratings.com.