Press Release

Beat the Heat: Reduce Electric Bills, Explore Renewable Energy Options with PUC Updates to PAPowerSwitch.com

Published on 6/25/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG –With rising temperatures increasing demand for electricity and ultimately increasing electric bills, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced improvements to PAPowerSwitch.com that will help consumers reduce their electric bills and better explore renewable energy options.

“PAPowerSwitch.com is recognized nationally  for providing helpful information on shopping for electric generation supply,” said Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “By adding more information on reducing electricity usage, buying renewable energy sources and increasing the searchability of the website, we continue Pennsylvania’s leadership in electric shopping and continue to educate our electric customers.

“All electricity suppliers are encouraged to update their offers on PAPowerSwitch.com to reflect their renewable products.”

On the main shopping page for each utility, consumers are greeted with descriptions  of the products which electric generation suppliers are offering. The renewable energy section now allows electric generation suppliers to provide specific details on the location and percentage of their renewable energy products, and provides a new information field for suppliers to add more details about their renewable products.  The renewable section also contains a link to  ChoosePAWind for information regarding products with 51 percent of their energy generated by Pennsylvania wind facilities built after 2005.

PAPowerSwitch.com also contains enhanced information on reducing your electric bills through energy efficiency and conservation measures– including simple tips on thermostat settings to details on smart meters.

Other recent enhancements to PAPowerSwitch.com include the requirements of terms a fixed-price product.  Information regarding these terms and conditions can be found on the “shopping page”  and the differences between the products offered is sortable by price, discounts offered and whether or not a cancellation fee is required. The visibility of “additional information” about the suppliers offers are enhanced.

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 hands 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. Pennsylvanians already have the power. With www.PAPowerSwitch.com, they have the information to Shop. Switch. Save.

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.pa.gov.

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  717-787-5722