Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Alerts Consumers of December 1st Electric Price Changes

(Photo Provide with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding Pennsylvania consumers know that on December 1st, 2025, energy supply prices for all PUC regulated electric utilities will adjust. The PUC urges consumers that are worried about their winter heating bills to call utilities as early as they can to discuss options for affordability and programs for assistance to help them stay connected. During the winter heating months, the cost of electricity can account for over half of a typical bill of a customer. According to a release from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, here is some more information about these price adjustments:

Why December 1 Price Changes Matter – Understanding Your Bill

Electric bills have two primary components:

  • Generation/supply charge – This is the cost of the electricity you use. The price 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.  This portion of your monthly bill is set by the PUC as part of periodic rate cases filed by the utilities and generally remains stable for multiple years.

It is essential for utility customers to understand what they are paying for energy supply costs, either through default service from their utility or a contract with a competitive energy supplier.

Electric PTC Adjustments for Residential Customers

The generation/supply PTC typically makes up 40% to 60% of the customer’s total utility bill, but the actual impact on total bills will vary based on weather, the efficiency of your heating system, and individual usage. The Commission does not regulate energy prices themselves, which are driven by the regional energy market.

Price Increases (Effective December 1)

  • Duquesne Light: 12.43 → 13.75 ¢/kWh (+10.6%)
  • Pike County Light & Power (estimated): 10.1923→ 11.21 ¢/kWh (+9.9%)
  • Met-Ed: 11.905 → 12.965 ¢/kWh (+8.9%)
  • Penelec: 11.004 → 11.747 ¢/kWh (+6.75%)
  • Penn Power: 11.858 → 12.606 ¢/kWh (+6.31%)
  • West Penn Power: 10.318 → 10.947 ¢/kWh (+6.1%)
  • PECO: 10.4 → 11.024 ¢/kWh (+6%)
  • PPL: 12.49 → 12.953 ¢/kWh (+3.7%)

Price Decreases (Effective December 1)

  • Wellsboro Electric: 12.809 → 12.04 ¢/kWh (–6%)
  • UGI Electric: 11.471 → 11.213 ¢/kWh (–2.25%)

Pending December 1 Prices

  • Citizens’ Electric: 11.419→ Pending ¢/kWh

December 1 PTC Adjustments for Small Business Customers

For small business customers, the PUC notes that most EDCs are also adjusting their PTCs on December 1 in their small commercial rate classes. Among the state’s major EDCs, price changes in default service rates for small businesses will vary:

  • Duquesne Light small business customers will see a PTC increase of more than 12%.
  • PTC increases in the FirstEnergy service territories (Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power) range between 6.5% and 13.8%.
  • Small business customers in UGI’s service territory will see a PTC drop of approximately 2.24%.

#CallUtilitiesNow

For struggling households struggling with higher energy costs, the PUC encourages you to call your utilities now. A direct conversation is often the fastest and most effective first step to learn about utility assistance programs and address overdue balances.

Pennsylvania’s utilities collectively dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars each year to universal service programs — including Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), budget billing, weatherization, and hardship funds. These programs are designed to help eligible households reduce energy use, lower monthly costs, and stay connected, even during difficult times.


Your Winter Energy Checklist: Simple Steps to Save and Stay Connected

To help consumers prepare for colder months, the PUC encourages everyone to take these simple steps:

  1. Review your utility bills. Understand your current rate and usage — and how colder weather can increase demand.
  2. Don’t wait to call. If you’re worried about paying your bill, contact your utility now to ask about assistance programs or payment plans.
  3. Ask about affordability programs. Utilities offer programs like CAPs, budget billing, and hardship funds that can reduce your monthly costs.
  4. Make small energy-saving changes. Lower your thermostat by one or two degrees, check furnace filters, and seal drafts — small actions that add up.
  5. Explore energy-saving tools. Visit PAPowerSwitch.com by clicking here and PAGasSwitch.com by clicking here for energy tips, shopping options, and more ways to save.  In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity – based on price or other factors, such as renewable energy.


Staying Warm, Safe, and Connected

Consumers who cannot resolve issues directly with their utility can contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380 for help or more information about available programs.