Press Release

PUC Urges Consumers to Continue Monitoring Utility Bills, Supplier Contracts and Energy Usage as Summer Heats Up

Published on 7/7/2021

Filed under: Electric

Shopping for Electric Generation Combined with Efficiency and Conservation Measures Can Help Curb Energy Bills This Cooling Season

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is once again urging consumers to remain vigilant this cooling season in understanding the rates they are paying for electricity, as well as exploring ways to curb usage and manage the size of their energy bills during the summer months.

With recent increases in energy prices, ranging between 2% and 30% depending on one’s electric utility, now showing up on monthly electric bills – coupled with higher temperatures and heat indices the past few weeks – the PUC encourages consumers to remain proactive in conducting price “checkups” with their electric bills and, if applicable, review current contracts with their competitive suppliers (suppliers). 

The PUC also reminds families to practice energy conservation to help manage bills and reduce energy usage with the summer cooling season upon us and as many people continue working remotely from home.  Detailed information about competitive offers, along with tips for saving energy , is available on the PUC’s official electric shopping website, PAPowerSwitch.com (PAPowerSwitch).

Summer Price ‘Checkup’ on Electric Bills and Supplier Contracts

On June 1 all the state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) increased electric generation prices for default service or non-shopping customers.  Customers not choosing a supplier continue to receive “default service” from the utility, with the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) set quarterly or semiannually based on PUC approved electric generation procurement plans. The PUC, however, does not control the price of the generation portion of the electric bill. 

It is important for every utility customer to understand what they are paying for electric generation supply, either through default service from their electric utility or a contract with a competitive energy generation supplier.  In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity, based on price or other factors, such as renewable energy.   A variety of renewable energy products are available on PAPowerSwitch, up to 100% renewable energy, and have proven popular with consumers.

When shopping for electric generation, key questions to ask include:

• How do competitive suppliers’ rates compare with the utility’s Price to Compare?
• Is the supplier contract for a fixed or variable rate – and if the rate is variable, what are the conditions of changes in the price for electricity?
• Does the contract provide for additional fees – such as membership or early contract termination fees?
• When will the contract expire – and what are the options for consumers as the contract end date approaches?

PAPowerSwitch provides consumers and small businesses with valuable information on how to shop for electric supply services.  The website enables consumers to quickly compare offers from competitive suppliers against the default service rate from their local utility, how to switch to a competitive supplier, or how to return to default service should they choose.

Consumers are advised not to sign a contract without knowing the length of the contract, the price, whether it is fixed or variable and if there are any fees.  Information on fixed and variable electric rates is available here.

For default service customers not participating in the competitive market, the state’s regulated utilities offer a voluntary Standard Offer Program (Standard Offer) - providing those customers with the option of receiving service from a competitive supplier at a fixed-price that is 7% below the utility’s PTC at the time of enrollment. The Standard Offer price is fixed for one year and can be canceled by the customer at any time with no early cancellation or termination fees.  Consumers interested in the Standard Offer Program should contact their local EDC.

PUC Continues Encouraging Energy Efficiency & Conservation

With summer’s hot and humid weather, consumers can find the PUC’s Summer Heat Wave fact sheet on the PUC website.  Energy conservation and cooling suggestions include:

• Turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible.
• Postpone using appliances that produce heat, such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until after 7 p.m. These appliances also use significant amounts of electricity adding to the demand on an electric infrastructure that is already stressed during peak hours due to heat.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate the air, keeping rooms and you cooler.
• Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
• If you have window air conditioning units, close off rooms not in use.
• Make sure all air conditioner filters are clean and in good shape.
• Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and check air and return vents on a regular basis to keep circulation air paths clear.
• On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods.
  
  

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov