Compare Pennsylvania Electric Rates and Prices

Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market means you have the power to choose your energy provider and are not limited to buying electricity from the local utility company. Utilities offer a default rate known as the Price to Compare (PTC), which you can compare with PA electric rates from other energy suppliers to find the best rate. The following table shows electric rates in PA based on utility. Enter your ZIP code to check today’s lowest electric rates in PA.

Based on the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average electricity rate in Pennsylvania is 18.11 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), about 11% higher than the national average price of 16.19 cents per kWh.

The typical residential electricity customer in Pennsylvania consumes 854 kWh per month. Using the average price per kWh and monthly energy usage, the average electric bill in PA is about $154.66 per month.

Commercial electricity rates are normally cheaper because businesses use substantially more electricity than homes. According to the EIA, the average commercial electric rate in PA is 11.25 cents per kWh. This is slightly lower than the U.S. average of 12.6 cents per kWh.

PA electric rates and plans vary based on where you live. Enter your ZIP code on this page to explore today’s lowest electric rates in Pennsylvania. The following table outlines a few current energy plans in PA that may be available for your home. All rates are shown in cents per kWh.

*The rates and plans on this page are accurate at the time of writing and based on the standard 1,000 kWh usage. Enter your ZIP code to find the most current electricity rates in your area.

With the passage of the Electric Choice and Competition Act in 1997, residents received the power to choose their energy provider and plan instead of defaulting to the rate offered by the local utility company. In 1999, state legislators passed a similar measure for natural gas.

Deregulation protects consumers against high electric rates that drive up monthly energy bills. You can still receive service from your utility company by choosing from various energy plan options or defaulting to the PTC rate.

Utility companies in Pennsylvania continue to maintain power infrastructure and deliver electricity to your home. They are also responsible for responding to power outages. Major Pennsylvania utilities include Duquesne Light Co., Metropolitan Edison Co., PECO, and PPL Electric Utilities.

Your utility is based on where you live, so you can’t choose which one delivers your electricity. However, deregulation allows you to compare electric rates in PA and purchase electricity from another provider. A few popular PA electric providers include Constellation Energy, Frontier Utilities, and Direct Energy.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) balances utility and consumer needs to protect customers in the energy industry. The PUC oversees, licenses, and regulates utility companies and services in PA.

There are a few types of energy plans you’ll find on the Choose Energy marketplace. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common energy plans include:

• Fixed-rate plans: With a fixed-rate energy plan, your electric rate remains the same for the entirety of your contract. This type of plan offers the most stability and usually leads to predictable energy bills. You will have to sign a contract, which can last between six months and three years. If you cancel your service before your contract expires, your provider may charge an early termination fee (ETF). If you cancel your contract because you’re moving out of your provider’s service area, you will not incur an ETF.
• Variable-rate plans: If you sign up for a variable-rate plan, your electric price will fluctuate based on the wholesale cost of electricity. When demand is high, your electric rate will increase. During times of low demand, your rate could come down, leading to cheaper electric bills. Variable-rate plans are riskier because your rate can change, but they’re more flexible than fixed-rate plans. You won’t have to sign a contract with a variable rate plan, so you can switch to another plan at any time.
• Prepaid and no-deposit plans: Depending on your credit score, you may need to pay a deposit before your service begins. Most energy providers set a credit threshold and require a deposit if your credit score is lower than that threshold. To avoid a deposit or bypass the credit check entirely, consider choosing a no-deposit electricity plan. A common type of no-deposit plan is a prepaid energy plan. With a prepaid plan, you’ll pay for your electricity upfront and receive notifications when the funds in your account run low.
• Renewable energy plans: Some providers offer electricity plans powered by renewable energy sources, including wind energy and solar power. You can find the exact percentage of renewable energy in each plan by checking its Electricity Facts Label (EFL). To explore green energy rates and plans in your area, enter your ZIP code.

Business owners also have the power to choose their energy provider and plan in Pennsylvania. Your energy options will depend on the type of business you run and how much electricity you normally use. 

Choose Energy can help business owners find the best commercial electric plans available. Fill out the form on our business energy page to build a customized commercial energy plan today.

Energy deregulation lets residents compare electric rates in PA and sign up for an energy plan that best fits their needs. Sorting through the options can feel overwhelming. You can use the free Choose Energy marketplace to find and compare available energy providers and low electricity prices in Pennsylvania. Once you’ve found a plan you like, we can guide you through the sign-up process in minutes. 

Here’s how the process works:

• Enter your ZIP code. We’ll show you today’s lowest electric rates in PA and help you compare plans available in your area.
• Select a plan. Once you’ve made your choice, you can sign up over the phone or online. Either method is fast and simple.
• Enjoy your electric plan. Your new supplier will take care of the switch and handle the setup without interrupting your service.

What is the average electric bill in PA?

Based on data from the EIA, the average electric bill in PA is $154.66 per month. This estimate is based on an electric rate of 18.11 cents per kWh and the typical household energy usage of 854 kWh per month. The average electric bill in PA is about 6% higher than the national average, which is $145.55 per month.

How can I lower my electricity bill?

The most straightforward way to lower your electricity bill is by using energy-efficient appliances or turning off unused equipment to reduce energy consumption. You might be able to lower your bill by selecting a provider with a cheaper energy rate than your current power supplier.

Are electric rates increasing in Pennsylvania?

Based on the most recent data from the EIA, PA electric rates have risen approximately 4.2% since this time last year. Electricity rates change based on many factors, including seasonality. In Pennsylvania, energy prices tend to rise during the winter months when residents use more energy to heat their homes.

Which provider offers the cheapest PA electric rates?

Currently, Frontier Utilities offers the lowest PA electric rate on the Choose Energy marketplace. Energy rates vary by where you live. Another provider may offer a lower price for your home. Enter your ZIP code to explore today’s lowest PA electric rates.