PECO Energy Company and Pennsylvania Energy

About PECO Energy Company

In 1881, the Brush Electric Light Company of Philadelphia competed for energy customers against roughly 20 other companies. With no standardization, a web of wires ensnared Philly, each line carrying any combination of voltages and frequencies. In 1899, Brush, Edison, and 16 other companies consolidated into the Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), and began standardized operations.

As the 20th Century began, PECO expanded its generation capacity and its operations both in the city of Philadelphia and into the surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. In 1928, United Gas Improvement (UGI) bought control of PECO, which at that time was the biggest merger of any U.S. utility company. As a UGI subsidiary, PECO then offered natural gas supply business. However, the union with UGI only lasted until 1943 when the Securities and Exchange Commission used the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to force UGI to divest itself of PECO.

In the post war years, PECO continued building and expanding both its electricity generation supply and its natural gas operations. To comply with Pennsylvania deregulation in 1996, PECO sold off its generation and retail divisions to focus on delivering energy to approximately 1.6 million electric customers and more than 511,000 natural gas customers in the greater Philadelphia area. Now as part of Exelon and as the largest electric and natural gas utility in PA, PECO not only delivers energy but also invests in organizations that support education, the environment, arts and culture, and neighborhood development programs.

PECO Energy Company Pennsylvania Service Territory

PECO serves approximately 1.6 million electric customers and more than 511,000 natural gas customers in the City of Philadelphia and some or all of these southeast Pennsylvania counties:

Bucks Chester Delaware Montgomery York

PECO serves these cities:

City of Philadelphia Chester Doylestown Media Norristown
PECO Energy Company Service Area

PECO Energy Company FAQs

How can I start new PECO service?

Getting set up with PECO is easy and convenient. Just visit the PECO web site to start, stop, or move electric and/or gas service.

PECO remotely connects and disconnects electric service. All connects and disconnects are processed starting at 8 AM. If you request your electricity shut off you will not have power after 8 AM on the day you choose to stop service.

Customers can also set up service by calling PECO customer serivce (1-800-494-4000).

Be ready to supply:

  • Service Address: The address where you want your service turned on or switched.
  • The start date for electricity service.
  • Personal Information: You will need to provide your Social Security Number or driver's license information.
  • PECO will do a soft credit check to determine if a deposit is required.

Will I need to pay a deposit when I sign up for PECO energy?

Credit Rating -- PECO has the right to check your credit history and level of credit risk to determine whether a security deposit is necessary. Other factors include whether the customer was previously disconnected or has unpaid energy bills.

TIP -- Be sure to unfreeze your credit. If you have frozen your credit with any of the major credit agencies, you will need to have it temporarily unfrozen before you submit a new service request.

Pay a Deposit -- PECO must notify you in writing within 3 business days about the specific reasons why you are required to pay a security deposit. PA law states that deposits cannot be greater than an estimated two months usage.

Customers have 21 days after the utilty sends the deposity request notification to make a payment. However, customers have three months to pay the full deposit. PECO can hold the deposit for 24 months. If the customer pays their bill in full and on time for 12 consecutive months, the deposit will earn interest.

Customers also have the right to use a guarantor who is a credit-worthy customer with PECO and can pay your bills if you fail to do so.

How do I get the cheapest PECO rate?

Shopping for a new PECO Customer Choice Plan can seem bewildering at first. Once you understand how it works, though, it's an easy and straightforward process. That said, you should have these three things with you when you shop for electricity.

  1. Your current bill. Your past usage per billing period can help you estimate a how much a plan might cost you each month.
  2. The current PECO PTC and expiration date. Knowing the current PECO supply price lets you compare rates offered by retail energy suppliers. This way, you can get a better feel for what suppliers are offering, for how long, and if any of their incentives make their price work for your family's need.
  3. Your PECO of Pennsylvania customer account number. This 10 digit number is located on your bill. Having it handy lets you sign up with a retail supplier right away.

What should I look for when shopping in the PECO area?

The best way for a PA energy customer to avoid making a bad choice it to ask the right questions. That way, you can learn exactly the information that can save you money. When you shop for electricity service in Pennsylvania, always be sure to ask these important questions:

  • Is the rate variable or is it fixed?
  • Is the rate competitive with the current PECO supply rate?
  • How long does the plan contract term run?
  • Does the plan's contract term last longer than PECO's PTC rate?
  • Does the plan include any recurring monthly charges?
  • Does the plan have an early cancellation fee?
  • Does the supplier offer any customer incentives or rewards programs?
  • What happens when the contract expires?

Who bills me for electricity or natural gas in the PECO footprint?

PECO sends a single bill that outlines and adds up your monthly charges.

What are the PECO terms of service?

In PA, Customer Choice Plans must include Terms of Service that explain and identify specific charges and any fees a customer will face when they sign up for an electricity plan. Not all suppliers have the same terms. That's why all Pennsylvania energy choice customers should read and understand the terms of service and contract summary for any plan they are interested in before they sign on to the plan.

What are early termination fees?

Switching retail suppliers before a contract ends can involve paying early termination fees. These can take a big chomp out of your checking account you if choose to switch retail providers before your plan contract ends.

Where can I find more information on my usage?

PECO customers can request 12 months of their energy usage free of charge. This is most easily available through your PECO online account.

What are PECO delivery and supply charges?

In Pennsylvania, residential customers pay for both the cost to deliver their electricity as well as for the amount of electricity supply that they use.

  • Delivery Charges are fixed rate charges (tariffs) representing the cost of transmitting electricity to your home via PECO's powers. The charges cover the PECO local infrastructure operating costs, maintenance, and ensures them a profit. Other usage-based charges are small costs from riders to fund projects, cover fees, etc. PECO's delivery charges must be approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC). All PECO customers pay the same set Delivery rates no matter who supplies their energy.
  • Supply Charges represent the price for the amount of electricity that you use. PECO customers can choose the "Price to Compare" (PTC) for their electricity supply. However, because of Pennsylvania's Energy Choice program, customers are free to also choose energy from competitive retail electricity suppliers.

What are PECO PTC charges?

When deregulation began in Pennsylvania, all utilities that wanted to participate in consumer choice had to sell off their generators. However, the PAPUC requires these utilities to provide electricity supply at a default rate to customers in their service territory who don't shop for a retail supplier. As a result, these utilities must purchase their electricity supply for the default rate from generator companies.

The PAPUC oversees PECO's default service rates. PECO's supply rate represent generation supply costs that are passed without mark up directly through the utility onto their customers. This default supply rate is also called the "Price to Compare" or PTC.

What is the "Price to Compare" (PTC)?

The PTC default rate represents the actual price (generation + transmission) the utility pays for the electricity. In other words, it not only includes the generator company's price for making the electricity but also the cost to transmit it from power stations over high tension power lines to PECO's local electrical switch yards. From there, the electricity is distributed throughout the PECO local electrical grid for delivery to homes.

In Pennsylvania, PECO sets its PTC rates by holding auctions to line up their electricity supplies. Currently, auctions are held twice a year to cover four delivery periods. Consequently, PECO's PTC rates change every March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. When the auctions are completed, the PAPUC must approve the prices for both the generation supply and transmission.

For customers, it means these electricity rates can vary seasonally; low some months, higher the next.

PECO Current PTC Residential Rate: 9.727 cents per kWh, expires 6/30/2023

NOTE: There are approximately thirty-five borough-owned public power systems in Pennsylvania. These purchase energy for their local residents. Many prohibit residents from shopping for their own provider. If you live in one of these communities, check with your local government to learn more.

How Much Do PECO PTC Charges Cost?

The DOE EIA estimates that the average Pennsylvania residence uses an average of 864 kWh each month. Therefore, an average PTC bill roughly breaks down like this:

Rate per 864 kWh Used Monthly Customer Charge Total
PTC Supply Rate 9.727 cents 0 $84.04
Monthly Distribution Charges (excluding riders) $0.06609 per kWh $9.98 $67.08
Total Bill $151.12

What is Pennsylvania energy choice?

Pennsylvania electric consumers are free to choose their own competitive retail electricity supplier. These alternative suppliers shop deals with different producers on the wholesale market to offer competitive rates. As such, their rates are not controlled by PAPUC the same way that utilities are. This way, retail suppliers are able to offer competitively priced fixed rate plans for a variety of term lengths.

Though it can seem confusing, shopping electricity plans is an easy process. The trick is finding the one that meets your needs. That's why retail energy suppliers in Pennsylvania offer two types of plans:

  • Fixed Rates have their price rate set for the same price over the term of the contract. Customers can count on stable energy rates on plans lasting from 6 to 36 months. However, many fixed rate plans come with early cancellation fees for breaking a contract early.
  • Variable Rates Want to avoid getting tied to an electricity plan for months or years? Then choose a variable plan. Variable plan rates on these contracts can change from month to month depending on the price of the electricity supply. But while there's no contract, there's nothing to prevent your rate from going up one month or down the next. However, these plans don't have any termination fees and this allows customers the flexibility to shop for new rates and switch to better deals without paying any penalty.

What if I'm interested in buying PECO Energy Company's energy plans?

We currently do not offer any PECO Energy Company plans at this time.

Other popular plans you can try instead are NRG Home's 12-Month Electric Choice Plan starting at 10.1¢/kWh or NextEra Energy Services's NextEra Eco Saver 12 starting at 9.3¢/kWh just to name a few!

What companies are similar to PECO Energy Company?

Some companies that are like PECO Energy Company in price range and user ratings are NRG Home and NextEra Energy Services.

Here is an overview of these two:

NRG Home:

NextEra Energy Services:

  • Average Plan Rate: 10.2¢/kWh
  • Plan Types: Fixed Rate
  • Cheapest 12 Month Plan Fixed: NextEra Eco Saver 12 9.3¢/kWh
  • Cheapest 24 Month Plan Fixed: -
  • Average User Rating: 0/5.0

Is PECO Energy Company good?

PECO Energy Company has a customer rating of 2.0/5.0 stars (this is out of 9 reviews). This score is calculated by averaging the total number of reviews in our website.

What are some good companies in my area?

In , Pennsylvania there is:
  1. Energy Harbor 3.7/5.0 with an avg. plan rate of 9.8¢/kWh.
  2. Santanna Energy Services 3.6/5.0 with an avg. plan rate of 9.2¢/kWh.
  3. CleanSky Energy 3.2/5.0 with an avg. plan rate of 10.6¢/kWh.
  4. Constellation 3.1/5.0 with an avg. plan rate of 10.3¢/kWh.
  5. NRG Home 2.3/5.0 with an avg. plan rate of 11.1¢/kWh.
  6. Direct Energy 2/5.0 with an avg. plan rate of 10¢/kWh.
  7. Rushmore Energy 1.9/5.0 with an avg. plan rate of 10.1¢/kWh.


What are some cheap electricity plans in my area?

The most affordable electricity plans in , Pennsylvania are:

  1. TrueSimple 6 for 6 months starting at 7.8¢/kWh.
  2. PA Frontier Secure Power 12 for 12 months starting at 8¢/kWh.
  3. Live Brighter 18 for 18 months starting at 8.4¢/kWh.
  4. Live Brighter 12 for 12 months starting at 8.7¢/kWh.
  5. TrueSimple 12 for 12 months starting at 8.8¢/kWh.

How much do electricity plans cost per month?

The monthly bill will vary by season (with the winter and summer seasons being the more expensive periods) and the size of your home. In 2022 in , Pennsylvania, the average electricity plan rate is 10.5¢/kWh. On average, that means

  • A small home will use around 500kWh of energy times 10.5¢/kWh totalling $52.5 per month.
  • An average-sized home will use around 1000kWh of power times 10.5¢/kWh totalling $105 per month.
  • A large home will use around 2000kWh of power times 10.5¢/kWh totalling $210 per month.

You can price electricity plans in your area here.

Your Energy Usage and Understanding Your PECO Energy Company Bill

Your PECO Energy Company usage affects your energy bills.

While your energy usage habits are unique to you, any Pennsylvania native will tell you that winters can be bitterly cold and summers can be hazy, hot, and humid. While most PA homes rely on natural gas for heating, roughly 1.6 million (29%) of homes in the state use electricity. But, that number is increasing as heating techonology changes.

  • Approximately one third (32%) of home electricity usage goes to electronics, lighting, appliances, and air conditioning.
  • Pennsylvania residents now spend on average 5% of their annual energy costs on air conditioning. About half of PA households use central air conditioning systems.
  • The remainder of energy use goes to water heating, refrigeration, lighting, electronics, clothes dryers, cooking, and small appliances.

Not sure how much electricity you really use?

PECO customers can request up to 12 months of their electric usage plus other relevant information free of charge.

The best way to cut your electricity bill is to reduce your usage:

  • Seal your doors and windows against winter and summer drafts. Not only does it keep out the cold or hot air but it also reduces the amount of mold, pollen, and other allergens getting into your home.
  • Add insulation to your attic, basement, and duct work.
  • Install a programmable or smart thermostat. Programming it to set-back the temperature when you're away or inactive can improve your home's energy efficiency and help cut your electric bills.

Your utility company can provide a wealth of resources and offers programs to help you improve your home's energy performance.

Understand Your PECO Bill

Your PECO bill contains many details that can be confusing to customers. But there's lots of useful information to help you better understand your usage and rate. Below, we break down the most important items on a sample PECO Electric bill.

PECO Sample Bill

  • A: Billing Information. This includes your name, 10 digit PECO account number, service address, and phone number.
  • B: Billing Summary. This details the bill's date, the billing period, the amount paid in your last bill, and the current charges due. The General Information line shows the date of the next meter read.
  • C: Billing Payment Stub. This includes your 10 digit PECO account number, the amount due, the due date, service address, and the Customer Service phone number. The stub comes pre-addressed for your convenience if you mail your payment.
  • D: The top of Page 2 begins with your 10 digit PECO account number.
  • E: Meter Information: This shows the usage information measured by the electric meter at your address and includes the read date, meter number, the acutal metering numbers, and the total usage.
  • F: Message Center: Here you can find important notifications from PECO.
  • G: Shows PECO's monthly customer charges, the delivery charges and rate, and then the total PECO charges due.
  • H: This shows the charges due from your Electric Generation Supplier. PECO breaks down its PTC rate the show both generation supply charges and transmission charges. Retail suppliers only show their supply charges because transmission is already included in their pricing.
  • I: Shows your usage history per bill over the course of the past year to help you compare your energy use over time and understand your usage habits.
  • J: In order to switch to a new retail electricity provider, you'll need to provide them with your 10 digit supplier agreement ID number and your service type (ie. residential). This is different from your PECO account number.
  • K: This shows a breakdown of your current month's usage, usuage from the previous month, and from the same time last year. It also shows the average daily temperature so you can gauge how well your home heats and cools.
PECO Energy Example Bill Page 1

PECO Energy Example Bill Page 2

PECO Coupons, Energy Promotions, Discounts, Rebates and Promo Codes

As your local electric utility, PECO offers several rebate and energy efficiency programs to help customers save money off their monthly bill by upgrading their home's energy performance. Some programs also offer money-saving incentives while others could make paying your monthly bills much easier during those expensive winter months.

Program Name Program Type Benefit
Appliance and HVAC Rebates Program Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

PECO customers can take advantage of rebates on the purchase of ENERGY STAR certified appliances and HVAC systems.

  • Appliances includes energy-saving water heaters, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ventilation fans, and dehumidifiers. Rebates range from $25 to $400.
  • By working with a participating Electrical Association of Philadelphia (EAP) HVAC contractor, PECO customers can earn substantial rebates on new HVAC systems.
LED Instant Rebate Program Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Look for the PECO Instant Discount sticker in the lighting aisle at Philadelphia area stores.

PECO residential customers can also get instant rebates on LEDs by shopping the online PECO Marketplace.

Energy Efficient New Homes Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

PECO is working closely with area builders who are constructing energy-efficient homes that deliver more than just energy savings.

Homes built through this program are 15% to 50% more energy efficient than new homes built to Pennsylvania's standard building code. Homes qualified through the PECO New Homes Program can qualify for special Energy Efficient Mortgages.

Residential In-Home Energy Assessment Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

PECO customers can sign up for the low-cost Home Energy Assessment Program. A certified energy auditor will:

  • inspect your home and identify areas where you may be wasting energy
  • Install energy-saving products at no additional cost.
  • Recommend upgrades that can save energy and qualify for rebates.
  • Homes heated with electricity are elligible for the more in-depth Energy Assessment PLUS program.
Low Income Usage Reduction Program Residential Energy Efficiency

Helps eligible PECO customers using more than 600 kWh per month a free energy audit to find ways to reduce their electric bills through home weatherization and conservation.

PECO Payment Arrangements Bill payment assistance

PECO offers payment arrangements to allow residential customers to pay their account balance in monthly installments. These installments are billed along with your current monthly charges. Both must be paid on time and in full each month.

  • Payment arrangements are based on the amount of the balance, income, household size, and your history with prior payment arrangements.
  • Contact customer service or sign up online.
PECO Gift of Energy Bill payment assistance

You can make a payment toward a friend or family member's PECO bill. Your gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient's PECO bill.

LIHEAP Cash and Crisis Grants Bill payment assistance

LIHEAP usually opens in early November and closes in early April. The program is available to eligible customers whose income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level or below.

Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF) Bill payment assistance

PECO matches customer donations to the MEAF fund to provide help to limited-income households.

  • Maximum grant is $500 but must bring the past due balance to zero.
  • You are eligible to receive one grant for your PECO electric account each program year.
Customer Assistance & Referral Evaluation Service (CARES) program Bill payment assistance

You may qualify for CARES if you:

  • Are experiencing a temporary hardship.
  • Are willing to work together with a CARES representative.
  • Call PECO Universal Services at 1-800-774-7040.
PECO Customer Assistance Program (CAP) Bill payment assistance

PECO's Customer Assistance Program (CAP) can give you a monthly credit on your PECO bill. The credit is based on your household's gross income and energy use. To apply, customers will need to supply the following information:

  • Address and phone number associated with your PECO account
  • Full name and birthdate of each household member
  • Proof of income during the past 30 days for each household member.

You must use PECO for your electric and natural gas supply to qualify. You cannot be enrolled with a competitive supplier.

Shopping Looking for Electricity in the PECO Energy Company Service Area?

While you can not order PECO Energy Company on PAEnergyRatings.com. We do have a wide variety of the best electricity plans in Pennsylvania for you to choose from.

Want to order Natural Gas in the PECO Energy Company Area?

PECO Energy Company is not currently available on PAEnergyRatings.com, if you are looking to order for residentail natural gas, these are our recommended plans. Or you can browse all of our Pennsylvania natural gas plans.

PECO Energy Company Service Area Providers

Company Rating Phone
Constellation
(5/5)
855-798-9075
Provision Power & Gas
(4.5/5)
866-929-2842
NextEra Energy Services
(4.3/5)
855-639-8091
Direct Energy
(4.2/5)
844-225-3948
Frontier Utilities
(4.1/5)
877-291-6554
Energy Harbor
(4.1/5)
855-847-5888
Verde Energy
(3.8/5)
Tomorrow Energy
(3.5/5)
888-392-8329
APG&E
(3.2/5)
CleanSky Energy
(3/5)
800-581-1016
Santanna Energy Services
(3/5)
855-763-2715
XOOM Energy
(2.5/5)
Major Energy
(2.1/5)
PAG&E
(2/5)
American Power & Gas
(2/5)
866 682 9816
National Gas & Electric
(2/5)
SFE Energy
(2/5)
Rushmore Energy
(2/5)
ENGIE
(2/5)
NRG Home
(2/5)
Sunwave Gas & Power
(2/5)
AEP Energy
(2/5)
22 results

News Articles About PECO Energy Company

Should I Switch PA Electric Suppliers?

Posted on

Is my PA electricity supplier the best? Should I switch providers?Is Your Electricity Supplier Really the Best?

Pennsylvania electricity customers have heard how an Erie woman was recently billed $284 billion dollars by Penelec for her December electric service.Not so well known is that Penelec’s parent company, First Energy, conducted an investigation on its own. It maintains that there’s no evidence of the bill nor audio recordings of any customer service calls about it in spite of photos supplied to the Erie Times-News.Sheesh! After a response like that, there’s little wonder why some homeowners have been asking, “Should I switch PA electric suppliers?”

When It's Time To Shop For An Electricity Supplier

Even though the electricity markets have been deregulated in Pennsylvania for more than a decade, some people still fall into the old habit of thinking that they don’t have the power to choose an electricity supplier and that it’s easier just to settle for whatever deal their local utility offers.Balderdash!Not only can you choose your own electricity provider but you have the right to dump ‘em for any reason at all. And that can be high rates, wretched customers service, hidden fees, or even an ugly logo. In Pennsylvania’s deregulated electricity market, electricity suppliers (and local utilities with their “price to beat”) are supposed to compete for your business. If your electricity supplier can’t meet your energy needs or they just plain suck, go find another company and switch.And even if you are already signed up with the best electricity provider in the entire state, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t look around to see what other plans suppliers are offering. After all, it’s your money.

How Do I Know When to Switch?

Think about what your needs are as well as the rough average amount electricity you use each month, what the rate is, the terms of your electricity provider's plan, and if you've been getting good service from your energy supplier. Here's how you do all that.

Know Your Usage

For example, do you use 800 kWh, 1,000 kWh, or 2,000 kWh per month? An easy way to find out is to review your past electricity bills for the past year. Most providers already provide some sort of electricity usage profile information either through your on-line account or printed on your monthly statement.If you don’t have that information, you can still estimate your usage by calculating your total electricity usage in kWh for an average day and then multiplying that by 30 days. What’s that look like? Say we add up the daily 24 hour usage for all our appliances (the wattage used by refrigerator, washer, dryer, water heater, TV, etc for the amount of time it’s in use). Let’s we figure out that we use 28,030 watt/hours per day, or 28.03 kWh/day. Multiply that by thirty and you get 841 kWh per month (and by happy convenience is the exact average monthly electricity consumption for PA residences in 2016).

Know your electric current rate!

Your electric bill is divided into two parts:
  • There’s the distribution charge. This is what the local utility (or EDU) charges for delivering the electricity to your home through the local grid. Those poles and wires need to be maintained and if there’s a power failure, they’re the folks to call. Everyone pays the same rate for the distribution charge. IF an EDU wants to change the distribution charge, it must be approved by the PA PUC. The distribution charge you pay is based on the amount of electricity you use per month.
  • The generation charge which is the price of the electricity (which includes long distance transmission costs). Local utilities don’t pay the same amount for electricity as competitive electricity providers. Local utilities buy their electric supplies at auctions every 6 months and the rate they pay changes (usually goes up) twice a year. Competitive electricity providers constantly compete to get the best price on their supply from the wholesale markets and directly from generators. This lets them better manage their finances so they can keep their prices lower than their competition.

Compare electric provider incentives or rewards

Generally, EDUs don’t have incentives or rewards for their standard offer customers. However, several electricity suppliers do offer incentives or rewards which include movie tickets, gift cards, dining rewards, airline discounts, and even free electricity. All of these add value to their service plans that makes them seriously worth considering.

Early Termination Fee in your electricity provider plan?

If your current plan has an Early Termination Fee (ETF), you’ll need to weigh the amount of that fee for ending your agreement early versus the amount you might save by signing on to a new plan. If you’re two months into a brand spanking new 36 month fixed rate with a $300 ETF and just found a much lower rate plan with incentives, it might be worth it to pay the fee and switch. It also depends on your circumstances, so you’ll want to calculate carefully how much you spend by staying with a plan against how much you’ll likely spend by switching.

Compare electricity rates & provider reviews

Lastly, you’ll want to take your usage information and your current rate and compare it with offers from other electricity suppliers. You’ll also want to learn more about the companies and how well they treat their customers. While the PA PUC does track customer complaints, these don’t tell you who important things like which company provides “meh” customer service versus those that have great customer service or which ones have lots of fees versus those that don’t. To find out important information like that, you’ll want to check out our web site, https://www.paenergyratings.com, and read what customers just like yourself have to say about their experiences with different providers.In the end, you might find plenty of reasons to stay with your current provider. Or you just might find 284 billion reasons to switch!