Press Release

#SaveInPA – PUC Encourages Consumers to Add Energy Efficiency & Conservation to Their ‘Summer Utility Checklist’

Published on 5/21/2025

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric

With June 1 Price Changes on the Way, Smart Energy Use and Consumer Awareness Can Help Manage Summer Bills

HARRISBURG – With summer fast approaching and new default electric generation prices taking effect on June 1, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents and businesses across the Commonwealth to #SaveInPA by taking proactive steps now to manage their utility bills – with a strong focus on energy efficiency, conservation and understanding supply options.

“As temperatures rise, so do energy costs — especially when demand for air conditioning peaks,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “Now is the time to review your past energy usage, make smart adjustments at home or work, and explore tools that can help you take control of your summer electricity bills.”

Why Now? Understanding June 1 Price Changes

Every June 1 and December 1, electric distribution companies (EDCs) in Pennsylvania adjust their “Price to Compare” (PTC) — the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charged to customers who have not selected a competitive supplier. These prices are based on wholesale market rates and can significantly impact monthly bills.

Note: These changes only affect customers receiving “default service” from their electric utility — that is, those who have not selected a competitive supplier. Customers already shopping with a supplier will continue paying the generation price set by their contract, but they should also be aware of these broader market trends to prepare for potential impacts when their current contract ends.

On June 1, 2025, residential PTCs will increase across nearly every utility — with typical increases ranging from 5% to 12% among major electric utilities statewide. Several smaller utilities serving portions of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania will experience larger percentage increases, or a slight price decrease, reflecting their unique procurement and cost structures.

While shopping for a competitive supplier is one option, rising wholesale energy prices have reduced the number of available offers below the utility default rate. That makes efficiency and conservation more important than ever.

Quick Tips

• Visit www.PAPowerSwitch.com for tools, tips, and rate comparisons.
• Review your usage patterns and look for areas to cut back.
• Act now — before the summer heat hits and bills go up.
  
  

Simple Summer Steps to Save Energy and Money

The PUC encourages consumers to build a “Summer Energy Checklist” — and check off ways to reduce usage and control costs.

Simple steps that can have a noticeable impact on energy usage and utility bills include:

• Maintain or upgrade your HVAC system – Clean filters, check ventilation, and schedule a tune-up.
• Seal windows and doors – Prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
• Set your thermostat wisely – Consider a programmable or smart thermostat.
• Unplug unused electronics and turn off lights when not in use.
• Use fans strategically – Ceiling fans can help you feel cooler without adjusting the thermostat.
• Wash full loads of laundry and dishes and avoid on-peak hours (generally between 6pm-8pm on hot summer days), if possible.
• Take shorter showers and lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
• Look for ENERGY STAR appliances and efficient lighting options.
• Check your past bills to understand your usage trends.

More energy-saving tips are available at www.PAPowerSwitch.com, along with tools to help understand and manage electricity costs.

June 1 Price Changes – Residential Default Rates

Small business customers will also see changes to their generation prices. Finalized commercial PTCs will be available closer to June 1.


Energy Shopping: Know Before You Shop

Shopping for a lower supply rate is one potential savings tool. Consumers should be aware that current wholesale market trends have resulted in fewer supplier offers below the utility rate than in prior years, and that offers priced below the utility’s PTC may be a short-term contract — typically lasting three to six months.

Consumers should actively manage supplier contracts: monitoring the expiration date, watching for renewal notices, tracking market prices, and being ready to act if your plan shifts to a month-to-month rate, which may fluctuate significantly.

When shopping, all consumers should stay informed:

• Compare carefully at PAPowerSwitch.com.
• Know whether a rate is fixed or variable, and check for early termination fees or monthly charges.
• Be aware of your contract expiration date, and watch for renewal notices from your current supplier.

If you have questions about your contract, contact your supplier — and if you need help resolving a problem, call the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov