(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers that electric generation prices for all PUC-regulated utilities will adjust June 1, as summer temperatures and air-conditioning use begin to increase electricity demand across Pennsylvania.
Summer electric bills are influenced by two main factors: the market price of electricity and overall usage during periods of hot weather. While the June 1 generation price adjustments may increase supply costs for some customers, extended heat waves and higher air-conditioning use can have an even greater impact on monthly bills, according to the PUC.
The commission is encouraging consumers to review their energy usage and consider conservation measures ahead of the summer months. It also advises customers to contact their utility providers to learn about options such as budget billing, payment plans and assistance programs.
According to a release from the PUC, here is more information about the June 1st price changes:
Why Now? Understanding June 1 Price Changes
On June 1 electric distribution companies (EDCs) in Pennsylvania will adjust their “Price to Compare” (PTC) — the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charged to customers who have not selected a competitive electric generation supplier (or EGS). 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 an EGS. 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.
Understanding Your Bill
Electric bills have two primary components:
- Generation/supply charge – This is the cost of the electricity itself. This is set either by your competitive supplier (if you shop), or your utility’s “Price to Compare” (PTC), if you do not shop.
- Delivery/distribution charge – This charge includes the cost for the poles, wires, and other infrastructure and operational services to deliver energy to your home or business.
The PUC regulates distribution rates and utility service quality, but wholesale electricity prices are driven by regional energy markets and are not directly controlled by the Commission.
For many residential customers, generation charges may account for roughly 50% or more of a total electric bill, though the total impact of summer bills can vary significantly depending on weather conditions and household electricity usage.
Why Summer Bills Can Increase Quickly
During periods of extreme heat, electric bills can rise quickly because air conditioners and cooling systems run longer and more frequently. Even modest increases in electric supply prices may have a larger impact during especially hot months because total household electricity use also increases.
The PUC encourages consumers to pay close attention to both electricity prices and overall energy usage during the summer season.
Electric PTC Adjustments for Residential Customers
Beginning June 1, Pennsylvania electric distribution companies (EDCs) will adjust their default service “Price to Compare” (PTC) rates for residential customers.
While these changes affect the generation portion of electric bills, total monthly costs will also depend heavily on summer temperatures and individual energy usage.
Price Changes (Effective June 1)
| Utility |
Current Price |
June 1 Price |
Change |
| Citizens’ Electric (estimated) |
13.209¢ |
13.215¢ |
+0.05% |
| Duquesne Light (estimated) |
13.75¢ |
14.14¢ |
+2.84% |
| Met-Ed |
12.965¢ |
13.951¢ |
+7.6% |
| PECO (estimated) |
11.024¢ |
11.572¢ |
+4.97% |
| Penelec |
11.747¢ |
13.142¢ |
+11.88% |
| Penn Power |
12.606¢ |
13.477¢ |
+6.9% |
Pike County
Light & Power (estimated) |
11.21¢ |
13.43¢ |
+19.8% |
| PPL |
12.953¢ |
13.147¢ |
+1.5% |
| UGI Electric |
11.212¢ |
12.617¢ |
+12.53% |
| Wellsboro Electric |
12.352¢ |
12.556¢ |
+1.65% |
| West Penn Power |
10.947¢ |
12.075¢ |
+10.3% |
June 1 PTC Adjustments for Small Business Customers
For small business customers, the PUC notes that most EDCs are also adjusting their PTCs on June 1. Among the state’s EDCs, price changes in default service rates for small businesses will vary:
- PECO estimates a PTC increase of more than 14%.
- Both UGI Electric (more than 12%) and Penelec (more than 6%) will also see PTC increases for small business customers.
- Meanwhile, PTC adjustments in the Met-Ed, Penn Power and West Penn Power service territories, as well as in Duquesne Light and PPL, will remain steady or drop slightly.
#CallUtilitiesNow
Consumers concerned about summer electric bills are encouraged to contact their utilities now — before account balances may become difficult to manage.
Early communication with utilities often provides customers with more options, including payment arrangements, Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), budget billing plans, hardship funds, and other support services.
Pennsylvania utilities collectively dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars annually to universal service and affordability programs designed to help eligible households remain connected during periods of financial hardship.
Your Summer Energy Checklist: Simple Steps to Save and Stay Connected
To help consumers prepare for warmer weather, the PUC encourages everyone to take these simple steps:
- Review your current electric bill and monitor your energy usage as temperatures rise.
- Contact your utility early if you are concerned about paying your bill or falling behind on payments.
- Ask about CAPs, budget billing, hardship funds, and payment arrangements.
- Reduce unnecessary energy use by adjusting thermostats, replacing HVAC filters, sealing air leaks, using fans, and limiting heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day.
- Explore conservation resources and educational tools through PAPowerSwitch.com by clicking here.
Energy Shopping: Know Before You Shop
Shopping for a lower EGS 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.
When shopping, all consumers should stay informed:
- Compare carefully at PAPowerSwitch.com by clicking here.
- Know whether a rate is fixed or variable, and check for early termination fees or monthly charges. The website has filtering features to help you shop and avoid energy products that you do not want.
- Before enrolling, carefully review contract terms, pricing structures, and renewal conditions.
- 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 EGS.
