Changes coming to Pennsylvania electric prices - WGAL Susquehanna Valley Pa.

Changes coming to Pennsylvania electric prices

Changes coming to electric prices in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is alerting consumers that many energy utilities are adjusting their supply prices on Dec. 1.

Residents are urged to learn about those changes and explore options to manage winter energy bills.

During cold weather months, the cost of energy used – either electricity or natural gas – can account for more than half of a typical customer bill, so the price of that energy is very important.

Electric

All Pennsylvania-regulated electric utilities are adjusting their Price to Compare for residential non-shopping customers.

The PTC averages 40% to 60% of the customer's total utility bill. However, this percentage varies by utility and the level of individual customer usage.

Electric distribution companies that serve the Susquehanna Valley report the following changes:

- Met-Ed: +10.4% (from 10.24 cents to 11.306 cents per kWh)
- PECO: -7.8% (from 9.672 cents to 8.919 cents per kWh)
- Penelec: +9.3% (from 9.703 cents to 10.607 cents per kWh)
- PPL: -9% (from 12.126 cents to 11.028 cents per kWh)

Natural gas

Many of Pennsylvania's natural gas distribution companies have also adjusted their PTCs this fall for non-shopping customers.

The following NGDCs report PTC changes for residential customers:

- Columbia Gas of PA: -38.5% (from $0.46849 to $0.2881 per therm)

The adjusted price for UGI Utilities isn't available yet.

Understanding utility bills

There are two major parts of monthly electric or natural gas bills:

- Generation/supply charge: This charge covers the cost of the electricity or natural gas used during the month, and it's influenced by whether a customer chooses to shop for their energy services. The energy cost for this portion of the bill is determined by a consumer's contract with a competitive supplier or, for consumers who don't shop, the utility's Price to Compare.
- Delivery/distribution charge: This charge includes the cost for the operation and maintenance of the poles, wires, pipelines and other infrastructure that delivers energy to a home or business. This portion of the monthly bill supports the local utility. Consumers can't shop for energy delivery/distribution services.

Shopping for suppliers

In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity or natural gas.

PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com allow consumers to compare prices and learn more about switching.

Video below: How to shop for electricity

Standard offer program

For customers not participating in the competitive electricity market, Pennsylvania's regulated utilities offer a voluntary Standard Offer Program. It provides customers with the option of receiving service from a competitive supplier at a fixed price that is 7% below the utility’s current PTC. The SOP price is fixed for one year and can be canceled by the customer at any time with no early cancellation or termination fees.

Consumers should contact their utility or visit their utility's website for more information or to enroll in an SOP.

Managing energy usage

The PUC provided these energy-saving tips:

- Pay attention to the thermostat: Every degree you raise or lower the temperature could impact energy costs by up to 3%. Consider a programmable thermostat to automatically lower temperatures while you are away from home.
- Have your furnace serviced: Regular furnace maintenance and clean air filters help ensure efficient operation of your heating system.
- Insulate and seal leaks around your home: Adding insulation, installing storm windows and doors, and sealing cracks and air leaks can help you use less energy.
- Install or repair ceiling fans in high-traffic rooms: Many people can reverse the direction of ceiling fans clockwise to produce an updraft and move warmer air near the ceiling downward, keeping the room warmer.
- Consider resetting your water heater thermostat: Water heaters are the second-highest source of energy usage in the home, and many people have the thermostat on their water heater set too high. Setting the temperature on your water heater a few degrees cooler can help save money on your energy bills.