Compare Pennsylvania Electric Prices

Pennsylvania is one of the 17 states allowing residents to choose their energy provider. This deregulated energy market allows people to choose the plan type and terms of their electricity deal instead of defaulting to local utility rates.

The power to choose your energy provider protects consumers against utility rate hikes and other factors impacting energy bills. Local utilities are still responsible for maintaining power infrastructure and delivering electricity to your home. Utilities also address power outages or other issues around energy delivery.

With the passage of the Electric Choice and Competition Act in 1997, Pennsylvania lawmakers created power choice to allow customers to shop for a new electricity supplier different from their utility. In 1999, state legislators passed a similar measure regarding natural gas.

Utility companies maintained their role in delivering electricity and natural gas to consumers and managing the distribution lines. However, the option for customers to choose their power suppliers resulted in competitive pricing.

Rate caps began to lift in 2010, prompting supplier competition. Pennsylvania residents can access energy cost savings with these new suppliers competing to gain customers through better rates. Millions of residents in the state now receive electric generation from a source other than their utility company.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) operates in the background around power delivery. Based in Harrisburg, the PUC licenses the state’s power suppliers and employs rate and service analysts, auditors, safety inspectors, enforcement investigators, and others.

While deregulation is a win for consumers, navigating the field of deregulated power suppliers can be confusing. With this in mind, Choose Energy provides the resources necessary to help you understand your options for the best available prices, providers, and plans.

Entering your ZIP code on the Choose Energy marketplace allows you to browse low electric rates from top providers in your area. The Choose Energy tools, available 24/7, let consumers compare electric supplier rates, sign up for plans, and switch suppliers.

After you’ve entered your ZIP code to determine if you live in an area with energy choice in PA, you only need a copy of your most recent energy bill to begin exploring possible supplier alternatives. The “Price to Compare” allows you to compare the utility’s default rate for electricity supply with alternative supplier options.

For consumers who already use an alternate energy supplier, the bill section that reads “Energy Charges,” “Supply Charges,” or “Generation Charges” displays your rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is the amount you’ll use to compare pricing.

“Utility Provider Charges” also appear on your bill. These distribution charges, customer charges, and any other fees going toward the utility company remain unchanged when you switch electric providers.

Once you’ve chosen a plan, sign up online or over the phone. Your new provider coordinates the switch with the utility, so you don’t have to cancel with your previous provider. You won’t experience any power disruptions in the switch, and no new meter is required.

Major Pennsylvania utilities include Duquesne Light Co., Metropolitan Edison Co., PECO, and PPL Electric Utilities. These utilities and others in the state deliver power to customers and maintain the necessary electric infrastructure. While various utility companies in the state also provide power to customers, electric supply companies now compete to sell electricity.

The growing number of power suppliers in Pennsylvania now reaches 100+. From small, municipal-based companies to larger providers operating across multiple states, energy suppliers continue to gain ground as an economic alternative to utility rates.

Some PA electric suppliers Constellation, Frontier Utilities, and Direct Energy.

The intention of utility deregulation was to provide consumers with more energy choices in PA. The PUC offers its site called PA Power Switch, which enables consumers to find rates. While the site offers a comprehensive list of suppliers, hidden cost and fee information leaves consumers with an incomplete picture of real costs.

Choose Energy provides comprehensive apples-to-apples rate comparisons between utilities and various electricity suppliers. It takes just three simple steps:

• Enter your ZIP code and compare plans
• Select a plan and sign up over the phone or online
• Let your new supplier take care of the switch and handle the setup

Choose Energy ensures your access to reputable providers and upfront pricing you can trust. Enter your ZIP now to explore available options.

How long does it take to switch energy providers?

You can switch energy providers in Pennsylvania in a matter of minutes. Get started by entering your ZIP code, then select the plan you’d like and sign up online.

Is a deposit required for my energy plan?

Most energy providers require a deposit before your electricity plan can be set up if you fail a credit check. To avoid a deposit, pick a no-deposit electricity plan plan from our marketplace.

How can I lower my electric bill?

You can lower your electricity bill by using energy-efficient appliances or turning off unused equipment to reduce energy consumption. Alternatively, select a provider with a cheaper energy rate than your current power supplier.

Are electric rates increasing in Pennsylvania? Ghost

On June 1, 2023, many utility companies in Pennsylvania raised their electric rates by 19% to 45% due to higher generation costs. Utility companies in Pennsylvania are expected to increase their rates again in December. This means that electric bills across the state will be higher during the winter.

Who has the cheapest electric rate in Pennsylvania?

Currently, Direct Energy has some of the cheapest electric rates in Pennsylvania. To find the best and most affordable electricity rates in Pennsylvania, check the Choose Energy marketplace regularly.