Compare Pennsylvania Electric Rates and Prices

*The rates and plans on this page are accurate as of July 25, 2024 and based on the standard 1,000 kWh usage. Enter your ZIP code to find the most current electricity rates in your area.

Based on the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average electricity rate in Pennsylvania is 18.10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This price is about 9.8% higher than the national average price of 16.43 cents per kWh.

Commercial electricity rates are normally cheaper because businesses use substantially more electricity than homes. According to the EIA, the average commercial electric rate in Pennsylvania is 11.31 cents per kWh — 9% lower than the U.S. average of 12.18 cents per kWh.

The Choose Energy marketplace has several popular types of energy plans you can shop for. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Consider your energy needs and preferences when comparing plans to find the best option.

• Fixed-rate plans: Your electric rate remains the same for the entirety of your contract. This type of plan offers the most stability and leads to predictable energy bills. You will have to sign a contract, which may last anywhere from six months to three years. If you cancel your service before your contract expires, your Pennsylvania electric supplier may charge an early termination fee (ETF). The company will waive your ETF if you cancel your contract because you’re moving out of the service area.
• Variable-rate plans: If you sign up for a variable-rate plan, your electric price fluctuates based on the wholesale cost of electricity. When demand is high, your rate will increase. During low demand, your rate could come down, leading to cheaper electric bills. Variable-rate plans are riskier, but they’re more flexible than fixed-rate plans. You won’t have to sign a contract, allowing you to 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 Pennsylvania energy providers set a credit threshold and require a deposit if your credit score is lower than that 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 the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). To explore green energy rates and plans in your area, enter your ZIP code.

In a deregulated marketplace, energy suppliers and utility companies are responsible for different tasks. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make the best of your energy choice.

Energy suppliers

Energy deregulation allows you to compare electric rates in Pennsylvania and purchase power from the electric supplier of your choice. Power companies compete to sell various types of energy plans to customers. A few popular Pennsylvania electric providers include:

• Constellation Energy
• Clearview Energy
• Direct Energy

Utility providers

Utility companies in Pennsylvania maintain power infrastructure and deliver electricity to your home. They are also responsible for dealing with power outages. Your utility is assigned based on where you live, meaning you can’t choose one. 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 in Pennsylvania.

The price to compare (PTC) is the typical rate charged by your electricity supplier. It’s the rate you’ll want to compare other plans with when you’re considering switching energy providers. The following table lists the PTC for each major Pennsylvania utility. 

The typical residential electricity customer in Pennsylvania consumes 854 kWh per month, according to the EIA. Using the average price per kWh and monthly energy usage, the average electric bill in Pennsylvania is about $154.57 per month.

Pennsylvania passed an act to deregulate its electricity market in 1996. In 1999, state legislators passed a similar measure for natural gas providers.

When energy demand and temperatures are milder during spring and fall, you can save by switching to a new plan with a low rate. 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 best rates in Pennsylvania today.

Our free marketplace makes it easy to find the best Pennsylvania energy plan for your needs. You can browse your options in one place and get signed up quickly. 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.
  
• 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 happens if you don’t buy from a supplier?

If you don’t choose your electric supplier in Pennsylvania, you’ll automatically pay for power from your local utility. The price you pay will be based on the price to compare for your area. You may think this option sounds easiest, but you could be missing out on significant savings if you fail to compare your energy options.

How can I lower my electric bill?

You could try installing energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances to reduce your overall power usage. Another simple option is to unplug appliances when you’re not using them to cut down on their consumption. Alternatively, explore our marketplace to find a lower electricity rate than your current one. Explore our guide to lowering your energy bill for more tips.