Pennsylvania Electric Rates and Prices

Pennsylvania deregulated its electricity market back in 1996. In 1999, state legislators passed a similar measure for natural gas providers. These legislations allowed residents and business owners to compare energy rates in Pennsylvania and choose plans that worked for them.

While electric choice benefits many customers, it can be overwhelming to choose the right plan or provider with so many available options. Choose Energy is an excellent resource to help you track down affordable rates whenever you decide to shop for a new plan. Enter your ZIP code to start exploring the lowest electric rates in Pennsylvania today.

The Price to Compare (PTC) is the default electricity rate you’ll pay if you don’t choose an alternative energy supplier. This means that you choose to purchase electricity from your local utility company instead of using your power to choose a separate energy provider. When you compare electric suppliers in Pennsylvania, you can use the PTC to know if another supplier’s price is lower or higher.

For example, the price to compare for PECO at the time of writing is 10.4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) through November 30, 2025. Meanwhile, the lowest price on our marketplace is 8.2 cents per kWh. This difference can lead to savings adding up over the course of a year. PECO’s PTC will update again on December 1, 2025.

• The average residential electric rate in Pennsylvania is 19.31 cents per kWh, based on the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This average is about 10.5% higher than the national average rate of 17.47 cents per kWh.
• The latest average commercial Pennsylvania energy rate is 11.85 cents per kWh, which is about 8.9% lower than the national average rate of 12.96 cents per kWh.

The Choose Energy marketplace features a variety of popular Pennsylvania energy plans, each with unique features. Consider your energy needs and preferences when comparing plans to find the best option. Here are a few of the most common types of energy plans you may find for cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton.

• Fixed-rate plans: Your Pennsylvania electricity rate remains the same throughout your contract, which can last between 12 and 36 months. These plans are ideal if you’re looking for stability and predictable energy bills in the long term. However, you’ll typically have to pay an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel before your contract is up, unless you’re moving out of the service area.
• Variable-rate plans: Your rate will fluctuate based on the wholesale cost of electricity, which depends on overall energy demand. Variable-rate plans are riskier, but they’re more flexible than fixed-rate plans. You won’t have to sign a contract, which means you can switch to another plan at any time without an ETF, making them good for short-term renters or customers who move frequently.
• Prepaid and no-deposit plans: Most Pennsylvania energy providers require a deposit if your credit score is below their credit threshold. To avoid a deposit, consider no-deposit electricity plan options, such as a prepaid energy plan. This plan type allows you to pay for your electricity in advance and top up the balance when it gets 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 reading its Electricity Facts Label (EFL). To explore renewable energy rates and plans in your area, enter your ZIP code and filter your results for green energy.

Energy deregulation allows you to compare electric rates in Pennsylvania and purchase power from the residential electricity provider of your choice. Power companies compete to sell various types of energy plans to customers in cities like Allentown and Erie. A few popular Pennsylvania electric suppliers include:

• Clearview Energy: Specializes in green energy plans.
• Constellation Energy: Offers a wide range of plan types and additional perks.
• Direct Energy: Has a variety of plan features like free weekends or nights.
• Frontier Utilities: Known for reliable service and beneficial features like bill credits and overnight rates.

Utility providers in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania utility companies like West Penn Power and PPL Electric maintain the power infrastructure and deliver electricity to your home. They are also responsible for dealing with power outages across their service areas. Your utility is assigned based on where you live, so you won’t be able to choose a different option. Major Pennsylvania utilities include:

• Duquesne Light Co.
• Metropolitan Edison Co.
• PECO
• PENELEC
• PPL Electric Utilities
• West Penn Power

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 throughout the Keystone State.

The typical residential electricity customer in Pennsylvania consumes 791 kWh per month, according to the EIA. Based on the current average electric price in PA (19.31 cents per kWh) and typical monthly energy consumption, the average Pennsylvania electric bill is about $152.74 per month.

Choose Energy is a free marketplace that makes it easy to find the best electricity plan and affordable energy rates in Pennsylvania. You can browse your options and sign up in just a few minutes all in one place. Here’s how the process works:

• Enter your ZIP code. We’ll use this information to show you today’s lowest electric rates in Pennsylvania and help you compare plans available in your area. Use the filters to narrow down your results to your preferences.
• Select a plan. Once you’ve made your choice, you can sign up online in just a few minutes. Or you can call the number on your screen, and a member of our team will be happy to walk you through the process.
• Enjoy your electric plan. Your new Pennsylvania energy supplier will take care of the switch and handle the setup without interrupting your service.

Is a deposit required for my energy plan?

Energy suppliers in Pennsylvania may require a deposit before beginning service, depending on your credit score. To avoid paying a deposit or having your credit checked, explore no-deposit options in your area using your ZIP code.

What happens if I don’t sign up for an energy plan from a supplier?

If you don’t choose your electric supplier in Pennsylvania, your electricity plan will default to the rate set by your utility company. The price you pay will be based on the price to compare for your area’s utility. While this option may sound simpler, the PTC is often higher than rates offered by alternative suppliers.

How can I lower my electric bill?

Reducing your energy usage is the easiest way to lower your energy bill. You could try installing LED lightbulbs and energy-efficient appliances to cut back on your power consumption. Other simple options are to unplug appliances when you’re not using them, use ceiling fans, and schedule regular HVAC maintenance. Finally, you can explore our marketplace to compare electric suppliers in your area and find a lower rate than you’re currently paying.

Where do I find my plan documents?

When you’re comparing Pennsylvania energy plans on our marketplace, click on a plan’s “more details” link and navigate to “plan documents.” From there, you can access the EFL to learn about plan rates, ETFs, green energy content, and more. Always review the EFL carefully before signing up for a plan.

How long does it take to switch energy providers?

In Pennsylvania, you can typically switch providers in as little as three days. Your new provider will coordinate with your local utility company to complete the transition with no interruption to your service.