Press Release

PUC, WGAL Host Event for Electric Customers to Shop. Switch. Save.

Published on 5/11/2010

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today again partnered with WGAL-TV to bring the power to switch electric suppliers directly to the community and launch the PUC’s new website PAPowerSwitch.com.

“You already have the power. With www.PAPowerSwitch.com, you have the information to Shop. Switch. Save,” said PUC Chairman James H. Cawley. “The PUC’s shopping website is designed to educate consumers about the benefits of shopping and make the process as easy as possible. We couldn’t think of a better way to launch that effort than bringing shopping for electricity to the Outlets at Hershey.”

The PUC hosted an event where the electric suppliers were on hand to help people shop for electricity on the spot. A bank of computers were available for consumers to go to www.PAPowerSwitch.com to review the prices, then actually go to the supplier making that offer that fits their needs best. To make the switch easier, consumers were reminded to bring their PPL bill or account number along.

With www.PAPowerSwitch.com, the PUC is working to make sure consumers have the tools at their fingertips to make an informed decision. The power is in the hand of consumers to shop for an electricity supplier – it’s a zip. Just click and enter your zip code. Review the prices, products, terms and incentives from suppliers making offers in your area. 

For many, the expiration of electric rate caps has brought an increase to electric bills. In Pennsylvania, consumers can choose the company that generates their electricity—also known as an electric supplier. This means consumers have the power to switch to a competing supplier who may offer the lowest price, or provide a specific service such as green/renewable energy.

Most Pennsylvania residents have the right to choose their electric supplier, but your ability to switch depends on where you live. The power to switch electric suppliers gives you greater control over your electric bill. PAPowerSwitch.com is the source for answers on shopping for the generation portion of your bill.

Putting the power in consumers’ hands to choose their electric generation supplier began with the 1997 Electricity Generation Choice and Competition Act. Generation supply costs comprise the majority of the average electric bill. Consumers are encouraged to proactively engage competitive suppliers for their generation. Under the law, electric rates were capped to ease the transition to competitive markets. All rate caps will be expired by Dec. 31, 2010.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722