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How do I start new PPL service?
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Starting PPL service for your home is both easy and convenient. Just visit the PPL web site to start, stop, or move your home's electric service.
Customers can also set up service by calling PPL customer service (1-800-342-5775).
PPL will do a soft credit check to determine if a deposit is required. Be ready to supply:
- Personal Information: You will need to provide your Social Security Number or driver's license information or other valid, non-expired ID.
- Service Address: The address where you want your service turned on or switched.
- The start date for electricity service.
PPL needs 5 business days advance notice. However, in some cases, they can provide same-day service. Call customer service to request.
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Will I Need to Pay a Deposit?
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That depends on a few factors:
Credit Rating -- PPL 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.
If you are required to pay a deposit -- Within 3 business days, PPL must notify you in writing about their specific reasons requiring you to pay a security deposit.
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What are PA state laws about utility deposits?
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- Deposits cannot be greater than an estimated two months usage.
- Customers have 21 days to make a payment after the utilty sends them the deposit request notification. However, customers have three months to pay the full deposit.
- PPL 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 have the right to use a guarantor who is a credit-worthy customer with PPL and can pay your bills if you fail to do so.
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What are PPL delivery and supply charges?
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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 PPL's power lines. The charges cover the PPL 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. PPL's delivery charges must be approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC). All PPL 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. PPL 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.
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What are PPL PTC charges?
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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 PPL's default service rates. PPL's supply rate represents 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.
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What does "Price to Compare" or "PTC" mean?
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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 PPL's local electrical switch yards. From there, the electricity is distributed throughout the PPL local electrical grid for delivery to homes.
In Pennsylvania, PPL sets its PTC rates by holding auctions to line up their electricity supplies. Currently, auctions are held twice a year. Consequently, PPL's PTC rates change every every June 1 and Dececember 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 during others -- especially during the summer.
PPL Current PTC Residential Rate: 14.612 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.
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How Much Do PPL PTC Charges Cost
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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 |
| PPL PTC Supply Rate |
14.612 cents |
0 |
$126.25 |
| Monthly Distribution Charges (excluding riders) |
$0.04332 per kWh |
$17.94 |
$55.37 |
| Total Bill |
|
|
$191.62 |
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What is Pennsylvania energy choice?
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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. For that reason, their rates are not controlled by PAPUC the same way that utilities are. This lets retail suppliers 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 Rate Plans 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 Rate Plans Don't want to be tied to an electricity plan contract for months or years? Then choose a variable plan. Variable plan rates can change from month to month depending on the price of the electricity supply. That means there's nothing to prevent your rate from going up one month or down the next. However, these plans don't have a contract or any termination fees and this allows customers the flexibility to shop for new rates and switch to better deals without paying any penalty.
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How Do I Get the Cheapest PPL Rate?
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Shopping for a new PPL Customer Choice Plan can seem daunting at first. But, once you understand how it works, it's very easy and straightforward. To begin, you should have these three things with you when you shop for electricity.
- Your current bill. Your past usage per billing period can help you estimate a how much a plan might cost you each month.
- The current PPL PTC and expiration date. Knowing the current PPL 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.
- Your PPL 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.
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What do I need to know for when shopping in the PPL service area?
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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 PPL supply rate?
- How long does the plan contract term run?
- Does the plan's contract term last longer than PPL'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?
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Who bills me?
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PPL sends a single bill that outlines and adds up your monthly charges.
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What are the Terms of Service?
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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.
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What are early termination fees?
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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.
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Where can I find more information on my usage?
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PPL customers can 24 months of their energy usage on their monthly billing statements. This information is also available through your PPL online account.
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What do I do when I have PP&L billing problems?
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- First thing to do is contact PPL. If you are having trouble paying your monthly bill call PPL's Customer Service: 1-800-342-5775. Have your account number ready.
- Need extra time to pay your energy bill? You can apply for a Due Date Extension by calling PPL Customer Service or by applying on-line.
- You can change your bill due date! Once every 12 months, customers can change their electric bill due date. Be patient because it takes 2 billing cycles go into effect.
The PAPUC requires all PA public utilities to offer Budget Billing. PPL Budget Billing takes your annual electricity costs and averages them out over the cost of the year. This ensures that customers aren't presented with unexpectedly high bills at peak times.
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Who do I contact if there is an emergency or outage in the PPL area
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Report safety hazards involving power lines immediately to PPL at 1-800-342-5775.
You can also report downed lines or outages at PPL's website.
Check PPL's current electric outages as they are being repaired.
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© 2023 PA Energy Ratings — Rates as of
