Switching Electric Providers May Help Limit Rising Bills

In Pennsylvania, consumers can shop around for an electric supplier and are not limited to any default utility company. Using the PA Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) PA Power Switch website, consumers can enter their zip code to compare rates, find plans with renewable energy options, and sign up with electricity providers in minutes. According to PUC officials, about 1.5 million Pennsylvanians have used the service as of March 2025.

After using the service, consumers can expect their supplier change to take effect in about three business days. Typically, there is no start-up fee, though it depends on the consumer’s current supplier agreement. The transition process is generally seamless, without disrupting the consumer's energy supply. Consumers should review their new supplier's terms and conditions carefully, paying attention to contract length and any potential early termination fees.

Most suppliers on the platform provide fixed, variable, and unlimited pricing options. A fixed rate is a comprehensive per kilowatt-hour (kWh) cost that remains constant for at least three billing periods or the duration of the contract, whichever is longer. This ensures that the rates do not fluctuate during the contract term. A variable rate is a comprehensive per kWh cost that can vary hourly, daily, monthly, etc., based on the terms outlined in the supplier’s disclosure statement. For unlimited usage, also referred to as flat rates, the electricity consumed by the customer is not calculated or billed on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. Instead, it is determined by a single monthly fee for electricity generation, per the terms and conditions specified in the supplier’s contract.

Switching electric suppliers can prove beneficial for consumers. Current rates on the PA Power Switch platform range from about 7 to 16 cents per kilowatt hour. With the average household consuming about 850 kilowatt hours per month, a switch from a supplier at 12 cents per kilowatt hour to 9 cents could save about $25 in a month, or $306 per year. Savings could be even greater, depending on the supplier.

With rising electricity prices on the horizon and summer weather fast approaching, the PUC is urging consumers to evaluate their electric supplier to mitigate increases in their utility bills.