Press Release

PUC Upgrades Online Electric Shopping Tool with Enhancements for Small Businesses

Published on 11/13/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced upgrades to www.PAPowerSwitch.com, its electric shopping tool, by adding enhancements targeted to small businesses in the state. 

The improved “Shop for Your Small Business” section of the website provides small business owners with the capability to quickly compare rates and products of electric generation suppliers (EGSs) making offers in their area.  Small commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, with a peak demand of 25 kilowatts (kW) or less, can now shop for their EGS with pricing information in the same manner as residential customers currently do.  This includes the ability to search by zip code or electric distribution company (EDC), and also sort EGS offers according to price per kW, price plan, alphabetically, or by other key areas.

“Every small business is looking for places to cut costs and trim expenses.  Shopping for electricity is one area where small businesses can do that, but it is an area that is often overlooked,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson.  “While making the shopping experience for small business shoppers very similar to that of residential shoppers, the Commission is expanding the use of our electric shopping tool to make it easier for all consumers to shop, switch and save.”

Originally launched by the PUC in 2010, www.PAPowerSwitch.com, 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. 

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 a lower price, or provide a specific service such as energy renewables.

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, video and audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.

###

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov