Penelec and Pennsylvania Energy

Electricity in the Penelec Area

About Penelec

In 1890, local investors in Blairsville PA organized the Citizens Heat, Light, and Power Company to supply its borough residents with gas, heat, and electricity. In the early days of the utility industry, small, local utilities grew rapidly by expanding their operations into neighboring towns. By June 1912, Citizens acquired about 20 other gas, heat, and electricity companies throughout central and western PA and changed its name to the Penn Public Service Company. By 1919, the company supplied electricity to 30,359 customers in towns and cities such as Erie, Lewistown, Oil City, and more.

In 1927, the mammoth Associated Gas and Electric company took over the company and folded it into its new subsidiary, the Pennsylvania Electric Company -- or Penelec. After World War II, Penelec merged with Met-Ed and Jersey Central Power & Light Company, forming General Public Utilities Corporation (GPU) in 1946.

Following Pennsylvania's deregulation in 1996, Penelec sold off its power plants to comply with the new law. A short time later in 2001, FirstEnergy acquired GPU -- and with it, Penelec -- for $4.5 billion.

Today, Penelec continues its long history of giving back to its community through a number of charitable programs through FirstEnergy. These include energy conservation efforts like the Community Connections Program, supporting education through its STEM Grant, and charitable giving through the FirstEnergy Foundation.

Penelec Pennsylvania Service Territory

Penelec serves nearly 600,000 customers in some or all of these central and western Pennsylvania counties:

Armstrong Bedford Blair Bradford
Cambria Centre Clarion Clearfield
Crawford Cumberland Erie Forest
Franklin Huntingdon Indiana Jefferson
Juniata Lycoming McKean Mifflin
Perry Potter Somerset Sullivan
Susquehanna Tioga Venango Warren
Wayne Westmoreland Wyoming
Penelec Service Area

Penelec serves these cities:

Altoona Erie Huntingdon Johnstown Shippensburg

Penelec FAQs

How do I start new Penelec service?

Getting set up with Penelec is easy and convenient. Just visit the Penelec web site and simply fill in the online Start Service form.

Start requests take at least 2 days to process and First Energy will send you an email confirming your start date.

Customers should call the Penelec Contact Center if they need their service turned on sooner.

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 your name, phone number, email address, and your Social Security Number. These will be required.
  • Penelec 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 Penelec?

Credit Rating -- Penelec 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 -- Penelec 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. The utlity 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 Penelec and can pay your bills if you fail to do so.

What are Penelec 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 Penelec's powers. The charges cover the Penelec 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. Penelec's delivery charges must be approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC). All Penelec 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. Penelec 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 Penelec 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 Penelec's default service rates since these represent generation supply costs that are passed directly through the utility onto their customers without mark up. This default rate is also called the "Price to Compare" or PTC.

What is the Penelc price to Compare (PTC)?

The PTC default rate represents the actual price (both generation and transmission) the utility pays for the electricity. 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 Penelec's local electrical switch yards. From there, the electricity is distributed throughout the Penelec local electrical grid for delivery to homes.

In Pennsylvania, First Energy's utilities set PTC rates by holding auctions to line up their electricity supplies. Auctions are held four times a year to cover four delivery periods. Consequently, Penelec'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.

Penelec Current PTC Residential Rate: 9.561 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 Penelec 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 9.561 cents 0 $82.61
Monthly Distribution Charges (excluding riders) $0.06074 per kWh $11.25 $63.73
Total Bill $135.33

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.

How Do I Get the Cheapest Penelec Rate?

Shopping for a new Penelec 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 Penelec PTC and expiration date. Knowing the current Penelec 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 Penelec of Pennsylvania customer account number. This 12 digit number is located on your bill. Having it handy lets you sign up with a retail supplier right away.

What do I need to look for when shopping in the Penelec service area?

The best way for a PA energy customer to avoid making a bad choice is 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 Penelec supply rate?
  • How long does the plan contract term run?
  • Does the plan's contract term last longer than Penelec'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?

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

What are the 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?

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

Who do I contact will bill questions or if my power is out?

Contact Penelec!

Having problems or interruptions with your Penelec electricity? Here's the proper people to call.

Who do I contact aboutPenelec billing problems?

The PAPUC requires all PA public utilities to offer "budget billing" where annual electricity costs are averaged out over the cost of the year. This ensures that customers aren't presented with unexpectedly high bills at peak times.

  • First thing to do is contact Penelec. If you are having trouble paying your monthly bill call Penelec's Customer Service: 1-800-545-7741. Have your account number ready.
  • Need extra time to pay your energy bill? Customers can apply to the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) by calling Customer Service or by applying on-line.
  • Residential Customers aged sixty (60) years of age or older or a residential customer receiving Social Security or an equivalent monthly pension payment can request to extend the due date of such customer's bill from 20 days to 30 days.

What do I do in Penelec emergencies and outages?

All power lines are extremely dangerous! Never attempt to move a downed power line by yourself. Call 911 and then notifiy Penelec.

  • Report safety hazards involving power lines immediately to Penelec at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).
  • You can also report downed lines or outages at Penelec's website.
  • Check Penelec's current electric outages as they are being repaired.

What if I'm interested in buying Penelec's energy plans?

We currently do not offer any Penelec plans at this time.

Other popular plans you can try instead are NRG Home's 12-Month Electric Choice Plan starting at 10.7¢/kWh or NextEra Energy Services's NextEra Eco Saver 12 starting at 10.1¢/kWh just to name a few!

What companies are similar to Penelec?

Some companies that are like Penelec 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 10.1¢/kWh
  • Cheapest 24 Month Plan Fixed: -
  • Average User Rating: 0/5.0

Is Penelec good?

Penelec has a customer rating of 1.5/5.0 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 Indiana, 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 9.1¢/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 Indiana, Pennsylvania are:

  1. TrueSimple 6 for 6 months starting at 8.2¢/kWh.
  2. Live Brighter 12 for 12 months starting at 9¢/kWh.
  3. TrueSimple 12 for 12 months starting at 9.1¢/kWh.
  4. TrueSimple 24 for 24 months starting at 9.3¢/kWh.
  5. 36 Month Home Power Plan for 36 months starting at 9.7¢/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 Indiana, Pennsylvania, the average electricity plan rate is 9.8¢/kWh. On average, that means

  • A small home will use around 500kWh of energy times 9.8¢/kWh totalling $49 per month.
  • An average-sized home will use around 1000kWh of power times 9.8¢/kWh totalling $98 per month.
  • A large home will use around 2000kWh of power times 9.8¢/kWh totalling $196 per month.

You can price electricity plans in your area here.

Your Energy Usage and Understanding Your Penelec Bill

Your Penelec 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.

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

Want to learn more about your home energy usage? Penelec customers can track 12 months of their electric usage plus other relevant information on each monthly bill or by logging on to your First Energy account.

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 Penelec Bill

Your Penelec 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 Penelec Electric bill.

Penelec Sample Bill

  • A, B, & C: Bill Overview. It includes your address and personal account number with Penelec, the billing period, the amount due, and the date that the bill is due.
  • D & E: Messages and current PTC rate. Here you find important notifications from Penelec as well as current Price to Compare rate offered by Penelec.
  • F: Account Summary shows the amounts of any unpaid balances, current Penelec distribution charges, current supply charges, the total bill and the due date.
  • G: Meter Summary: This shows the usage information measured by the electric meter at your address.
  • H: Charges from Penelec include the type of rate you are being charged, the monthly customer charge, the distribution charges, and the total.
  • I: Charges from Electric Generation Supplier show the name and address of your electricity supplier, their base rate charged, and the total supplier charges due.
  • J: Account Balances by Company lays out the amounts that have been paid or are owed to Penelec and your supplier.
  • K: Shows your usage history per bill over the course of the past year to help you compare your energy use over time and understand trends.
  • L: Payment Stub. Just detach and return with your payment. It also includes your account number, amount paid, amount due, and the due date.
Understand Your Penelec Light Bill

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

As your local electric utility, Penelec 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

Pennsylvania residential customers of Penelec, Penelec, Penn Power and Penelec can now take advantage of rebates on the purchase of ENERGY STAR certified appliances and HVAC systems.

  • Appliances include energy-saving washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and dehumidifiers. Rebates range from $25 to $75.
  • By working with a participating HVAC contractor, customers can earn $50 rebates on system tune ups or up to $600 on a new HVAC system.
Appliance Turn-In Program Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Recycle your old working fridge or freezer and get $50. Plus, you save money on your electricity bill.

  • Must be an electric customer of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania utilities
  • You must own the appliance(s)
  • Refrigerators and freezers must be 10 to 30 cu. ft. in size, and operating (cooling) at the time of the scheduled pickup.
Energy Efficient New Homes Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program provides financial incentives for construction of more energy-efficient single-family, multifamily and manufactured homes.

Entire new homes can also receive the ENERGY STAR certification. Energy efficient homes not only reduce energy costs but also increase comfort. Homes qualified through the FirstEnergy New Homes Program achieve energy efficiency through established, reliable building techniques.
Home Energy Analyzer Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

First Energy's Home Energy Analyzer is a simple, convenient tool you can use to save energy and money. Best of all, it's free. Just register online with your account number and zip code.
Residential Energy Audit Program Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

First Energy customers can sign up for the low cost Home Energy Audit Program. A certifeid energy audiotr will:

  • inspect your home and identify areas where you may be wasting energy
  • Install energy-saving products at no additional cost.
  • Recommendations for upgrades that cna save energy and qualify for rebates.
Lighting Discounts and Water Heating Rebates Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

First Energy's customers can take advantage of instant discounts on the purchase of qualified ENERGY STAR?® certified bulbs.

Customers can also receive an instant $500 discount at participating retailers when they purchase a qualified heat pump water heater.
Penelec Payment Arrangements Bill payment assistance

Penelec 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 and both must be paid on time, 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.
WARM Program Residential Energy Efficiency

Helps eligible Penelec customers using more than 375 kWh per month a way to reduce their electric bills through home weatherization and conservation.
Medical Certificate Bill payment assistance

This will delay termination of service for up to 30 days if you are eligible for a medical certificate or renewal, and if you or anyone living in your home is seriously ill. A licensed physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner must notify Penelec in writing.
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.
Dollar Energy Fund Bill payment assistance

Penelec partners with Dollar Energy Fund to provide help to limited-income households.

  • The maximum grant you can receive from this program is $500.
  • You are eligible to receive one grant for your Penelec electric account each program year.
Penelec Customer Assistance & Referral Evaluation Service (CARES) program Bill payment assistance

There are no income guidelines to qualify for the CARES Program. You may qualify for CARES if you:

  • Are experiencing a temporary hardship.
  • Are willing to work together with a CARES representative.
  • Call Universal Services Center at: 1-888-393-7600.
Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP) Bill payment assistance

Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP) helps residential customers maintain electric service and eliminate their past-due balance. To apply. Customers will need to supply the following information:

  • Income information, including source of income, for all household members.
  • Names, social security numbers and birth dates for all household members.

Participants are billed approximately the same amount each month in order to manageably reduce their debt. Apply through the Dollar Energy Fund.

Shopping Looking for Electricity in the Penelec Service Area?

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

6 Month Fixed Rate
TrueSimple 6
  • 8.17 ¢/kwh
  • 14.6% under utility rate
    Compared to the current Penelec rate of 9.5610¢ / kwh
  • $1.99/mo.
     MRC
    The 'MRC' or 'Monthly Recurring Charge' is a fee that the provider will add to each of your bills in addition to the electric usage charges.
  • 6 month
  • Fixed Rate
  • Non-Renewable
12 Month Fixed Rate
PA Frontier Secure Power 12
  • 7.99 ¢/kwh
  • 17.9% under utility rate
    Compared to the current PECO rate of 9.7270¢ / kwh
  • $9.95/mo.
     MRC
    The 'MRC' or 'Monthly Recurring Charge' is a fee that the provider will add to each of your bills in addition to the electric usage charges.
  • 12 month
  • Fixed Rate
  • Non-Renewable
18 Month Fixed Rate
Live Brighter 18
  • 8.19 ¢/kwh
  • $0.00/mo.
     MRC
    The 'MRC' or 'Monthly Recurring Charge' is a fee that the provider will add to each of your bills in addition to the electric usage charges.
  • 18 month
  • Fixed Rate
  • Non-Renewable
8 Month Fixed Rate
Safe Harbor 8
  • 9.09 ¢/kwh
  • 4.9% under utility rate
    Compared to the current Penelec rate of 9.5610¢ / kwh
  • $0.00/mo.
     MRC
    The 'MRC' or 'Monthly Recurring Charge' is a fee that the provider will add to each of your bills in addition to the electric usage charges.
  • 8 month
  • Fixed Rate
  • Non-Renewable

Want to order Natural Gas in the Penelec Area?

Penelec 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.

12 Month Fixed Rate
Fixed-Rate Gas 12
  • $0.509 /ccf
  • 39.2% under utility rate
    Compared to the current Philadelphia Gas Works rate of $0.8365 / ccf
  • $0.00/mo.
     MRC
    The 'MRC' or 'Monthly Recurring Charge' is a fee that the provider will add to each of your bills in addition to the gas usage charges.
  • 12 month
  • Fixed Rate
  • Non-Renewable
Variable Rate
Residential Clean Gas Plan
  • $0.577 /ccf
  • 36.7% under utility rate
    Compared to the current UGI rate of $0.9115 / ccf
  • $0.00/mo.
     MRC
    The 'MRC' or 'Monthly Recurring Charge' is a fee that the provider will add to each of your bills in addition to the gas usage charges.
  • 1 month
  • Variable Rate
  • Non-Renewable

Penelec 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 Penelec

First Energy Wants to Make One PA Utility

Posted on

First Energy Seeks to Merge Four PA Utility Companies

Merging four PA utility companies into one First Energy company leaves uncertainty about customer rates. The PA PUC will decide.
The PA PUC will decide whether PA electricity customers may benefit from First Energy merging its four PA utility companies into one. Learn how this could change your electricty bills.

First Energy has filed with the PA PUC to consolidate all of their subsidiary utilities together. This would make one single First Energy PA utility. However, there could be several upsides to the merger, like lower operating costs and better customer service. And, First Energy says that rates won't change right away. This sounds like good news for PA utility customers. But that's in the short term. What happens after that? And how will this affect your electricity rates?

What’s the Plan for First Energy?

First Energy wants to merge their PA utility companies into a single utility called First Energy Pennsylvania Electricity Company. This means all the service areas of Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power would become one utility. First Energy believes the changes would let them operate more effectively. And that they would lead to better service and lower operating costs. And with lower costs come lower rates for customers.

How One PA Utility Could Change Your Rates

But what does this mean for your rates? The proposal shows nothing would change. The company intends to convert their utility service areas into "rate districts". So, it sounds like business as usual at first.

Currently, each First Energy utility must file its own Price to Compare (PTC) rate with the state. However, one of the stated goals from First Energy is to “Lay the foundation for an eventual unification of rates and charges for electric service in later base rate case(s)". First Energy eventually wants to file one PTC rate for all of their customers. If the PUC approves the merger and rate change, it's hard to say how the PTC rates may change.

Unfortunately, First Energy has overcharged Pennsylvanians for dubious business dealings in Ohio. So some regulators may be reluctant to embrace a single PTC rate for the whole state as a good thing.

CAUSE-PA Filing to Intervene with First Energy

CAUSE-PA, an association that advocates for affordable utility services, is concerned with this merger. The group has filed a motion to intervene with the PA PUC. They worry how the merger will change the quality of utility services and how it would affect low income assistance programs. In addition, they expressed doubt whether the merger would actually benefit customers. 

On top of this, the Office of Small Business Advocate filed a protest against First Energy. They're demanding proof that First Energy's statements in their filing are accurate.

Wile more protest and petitions are sure to come, the PUC has to actually approve First Energy's filing. So it may be some time before any answers emerge.

Don't Let Low Rates Slip By

Remember that these potential changes may only affect PTC customers. But if you shop PA electricity retail providers, you won't need to worry at all. And since spring has the lowest rates, now is the best time to shop for the cheapest electricity plan! But don't wait too long because summer heat is coming!

Compare providers, find a low rate, and keep up with energy news all in one place! Save when your shop the best plans at https://www.paenergyratings.com.

PA Electricity Rates Falling! Shop Now?

Posted on

Is it time to shop for a new electricity rate?

Falling electricity rates mean this you could find a cheaper energy plan for your home this spring. Compare and shop now!
Find out why shopping for a new electricity rate this spring could get you a cheaper energy rate on your future bills. Compare plans and shop now!

Electricity rates are falling all across Pennsylvania! Several utilities are filing to lower their PTC rates this spring, and Pennsylvania electricity providers are not far behind. But is now a good time to shop for a new electricity rate? Or should you wait until spring to snag a better deal?

Lower Rates Coming Soon

Across the First Energy service area, rates are falling. First Energy just filed corrections to their upcoming PTC rates in March.

  • Met-Ed is lowering their rate from 10.3 cents per kWh to 9.9 cents per kWh, a 1.4 cent decrease.
  • Penelec is lowering their rate from 9.8 cents per kWh to 9.5 cents per kWh, a .3 cent decrease.
  • Penn Power is lowering their rate from 10.5 cents per kWh to 10.4 cents per kWh, a .1 cent decrease.
  • West Penn is lowering their rate from 8.5 cents per kWh to 8.2 cents per kWh, a .3 cent decrease.

PECO is also lowering their generation rates! The generation supply adjustment rate, or GSA, represents the majority of cost for PTC rates, but doesn't include the supply charge. So it’s not a final number. The current PTC rate is 9.85 cents per kWh, and the new GSA charge is 8.9 cents per kWh, a .9 decrease from the current rate.

While these are huge price discounts, they suggest a trend for electricity rates in PA cities.

Should I Shop Falling Electricity Rates Now?

Thankfully you don’t have to wait until March to snag a lower rate. While we recommend shopping in the spring for the best rates, there are several tempting options on the market lower than current PTC rates.

Right now if you want the best rate in Reading, Erie, or Philly then APG&E is the company to beat. The APG&E TrueSimple 6 Plan has the lowest rate available in all three areas, beating out current PTC rates for Med-Ed, Penelec, or PECO.

In Reading and Erie, the APG&E rate is just 8.7 cents per kWh. That's 1.6 cents lower than the Med-Ed PTC rate and 1.1 cents lower than Penelec. In September that same plan was 19.53 cents per kWh! And in Philly, the APG&E rate is 8 cents per kWh, a full 1.85 cents lower than the current PECO PTC rate. This past September the same plan would have cost you 18.14 cents per kWh.

With a 6 month fixed rate and a $1.99 monthly charge this plan is hard to beat. Just keep in mind their $100 cancellation fee if you want to shop for an even lower rate in spring! And always be mindful of when your contract expires. You don’t want to forget to shop and get stuck with a nasty billing surprise.

Keep an Eye on Falling Electricity Rates this Spring

It may be tempting to snag the first plan you see that’s lower than the current PTC rates, but there’s no need to rush! You can check reviews, look at different rates, and find the best plan for you all in one place. Shop smart with https://www.paenergyratings.com

Zip Codes with Cheap Penelec Rates

19120
19124
19143
19111
17603
19134
15601
19020
19446
19149
19140
17602
19382
19320
19104
19067
17331
18102
17601
19148
19380
15301
19145
19335