Month: October 2023

Pennsylvania residents have the power to choose their own electricity supplier, which gives them access to competitive rates and cleaner energy options. While the option of selecting a new energy provider isn’t mandatory, many residents are taking advantage of it to lower their bills and improve their home’s sustainability.

The state’s pa electric choice program was launched in 1996 with the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, giving customers the opportunity to buy their energy from a 3rd party electricity supplier rather than their local utility company. However, the local utilities are still responsible for maintaining their energy infrastructure and delivering power to homes and businesses.

Before making a decision on a Pennsylvania power supplier, consumers should thoroughly compare the offers of different companies. This includes looking at the price per kilowatt hour, contract lengths, additional fees, renewable energy options and customer reviews. In addition, a site like PA Power Switch provides an online rate comparison tool for comparing energy prices offered by competing suppliers.

Depending on the type of plan a person chooses, they will also need to determine whether they want to choose a fixed or variable rate. Fixed rate plans will lock in a specific price for at least three billing cycles, while variable rate plans allow for changes to the rate during market fluctuations.

Once a person is ready to begin shopping for a new energy plan, they should first enter their ZIP Code into the PA Power Switch website to find the best energy prices available in their area. This will narrow down the list of available providers to those that serve their region and provide them with a comprehensive set of offerings to evaluate.

In addition to a rate comparison tool, the website provides information about the different electricity options in Pennsylvania and how to make the most of the deregulated energy marketplace. For example, it details the differences between a supplier’s fixed and variable rates and explains how to read an electricity bill. It also discusses the rights and protections offered to residential and commercial energy consumers by the state.

After choosing a new electricity provider, it’s important to monitor their services and rates for the duration of their contract. Some energy providers may introduce a fee or increase their pricing during the term of the contract, which can significantly impact a consumer’s bottom line. Consumers should also be aware that their local utilities can continue to charge a distribution charge, which is a fee based on the total number of kilowatt hours used.

To help keep electricity rates low, residents can consider reducing their usage by installing energy efficient appliances or installing solar panels. Additionally, they can also sign up for a smart meter, which is an electronic device that tracks and reports electricity consumption in real-time. Finally, residents can also contact Arbor to manage their home’s utilities on their behalf and save up to 25% off of their monthly energy bill.