Northwestern Pennsylvanians can expect a double whammy of cost increases when they receive their electricity bills this summer.
Besides the typical spike that comes with using air conditioning to beat the heat, many of the state’s electric distribution companies plan to raise their rates starting June 1, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
These estimated and scheduled adjustments, which occur twice a year, range from a 0.05% increase to 12.53%, depending on the company. That means a monthly hike of between six cents and $4.05 for a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
By comparison, the adjustments made June 1, 2025 ranged from a 3.6% decrease to a 40.1% increase, though prices in general were nearly two cents per kilowatt-hour less than they will be this summer, according to the PUC.
These particular increases only apply to customers who have not selected an electric generation supplier or who have allowed their supplier contract to expire. Those who remain under a fixed-rate contract will continue to pay their current rate until the contract expires.
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But rising supplier rates won’t be the main reason your electric bills likely will spike this summer.
Air conditioners use more electricity than any other appliance in most homes, according to the Energy Information Administration. They can raise electricity bills by more than $400 over the course of a summer.
Air conditioners are the biggest users of electricity in most homes. You can lower electric bills by programming your thermostat at higher temperatures in the summer.
Ways to reduce your electric bills this summer
What can customers do to reduce their electricity use and lower their costs? Here are some tips:
Shop for your electricity supplier by visiting PA Power Switch. “Suppliers routinely update their prices and product offerings on PA Power Switch — so depending on a customer’s area, there may be opportunities to shop and save,” said PUC spokesman David Hixson.
Reduce unnecessary electricity usage. Adjust your thermostat to the warmest comfortable settings, replace HVAC filters every two months, limit the use of ovens and other heat-producing appliances, seal air leaks around your house.
Use your fans. They consume less electricity than air conditioners do. Turn on your ceiling fans (which should spin counterclockwise in the summer) to create a wind-chill effect.
Keep out the sun. Draw the blinds or curtains on the sunny side of your home during the day.
Use your washer and dryer wisely. Wash with cold water when possible, clean your dryer’s exhaust vent regularly, use the dryer’s automatic cycle.
No partial dishwasher loads. Your hot water tank is usually the second-highest user of electricity in your home, so only wash full loads in your dishwasher.
Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com or by calling 814-870-1736.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie PA electric bills likely to spike this summer for two reasons