Most Pennsylvania electric customers will see higher bills starting Monday, Dec. 1, as energy supply prices adjust across the state, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Eight of 11 regulated electric utilities are raising their Price to Compare rates for residential customers. Duquesne Light will see the largest increase at 10.6%, raising its rate from 12.43 to 13.75 cents per kilowatt-hour. Pike County Light & Power will increase by 9.9%.
In the Lehigh Valley, PPL Electric Utilities is increasing by 3.7% while Met-Ed rises 8.9%.
The rates represent each utility’s Price to Compare for customers who do not shop for a competitive supplier.
Separate from the delivery/distribution charge, the generation and supply charge typically accounts for 40% to 60% of a customer’s total utility bill. During winter heating months, electricity costs can represent more than half of a typical customer bill, the PUC said.
Two utilities are lowering rates. Wellsboro Electric will decrease its rate by 6%, and UGI Electric will drop by 2.25%. The Citizens’ Electric rate change was pending as of last week.
Small business customers also face rate adjustments. Duquesne Light small business customers will see increases of more than 12%, while FirstEnergy service territories will experience increases ranging from 6.5% to 13.8%.
The PUC urges consumers worried about winter heating bills to contact their utilities now to discuss affordability options and assistance programs.
Pennsylvania utilities dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars each year to universal service programs, including Customer Assistance Programs, budget billing, weatherization, and hardship funds. These programs help eligible households reduce energy use, lower monthly costs, and maintain service.
The PUC recommended consumers review their utility bills to understand current rates and usage, contact utilities about payment plans, and make energy-saving changes like lowering thermostats and sealing drafts. Consumers can visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com for energy tips and shopping options.
Customers who cannot resolve issues with their utility can contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 800-692-7380.
Generative AI was used to draft this story, based on data provided by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com.
Supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.