Electric rates are rising for Western Pennsylvania customers, starting Monday.
The residential rate for Duquesne Light customers is rising 10.6%, from 12.43 cents per kilowatt hour to 13.75 cents per kwh.
For an average household, that could amount to an extra $10 per month. Actual bills will depend on factors including weather, home energy efficiency, and usage.
West Penn Power’s residential rate is going up 6.1%, or 10.947 cents per kwh.
There are two parts to an electric bill: distribution and supply. The increases are tied to the cost of generating electricity, which makes up about half of a typical bill.
Electricity demand is expected to rise after decades of holding steady. The state’s Public Utility Commission said Pennsylvania’s electricity usage grew nearly 3% in 2024.
A September report from the PUC showed significant growth in demand from industrial customers is expected in the next five years, due largely to an expansion of data centers.
Regulators advise reaching out to your utility immediately if you are worried about being able to pay.
Each utility has programs to help eligible households reduce energy use and lower their monthly costs.
Duquesne Light customers can find more information here.
West Penn customers can find more information here.
People can also take steps to lower their bills through efficiency measures such as sealing air leaks around doors and windows, using curtains as insulation, and lowering the thermostat when leaving the house.
Customers can also shop for electric and gas suppliers, which may offer lower rates than the utility’s default.