Billy The state’s largest utility companies, PECO Energy, Penelec Power, West Penn Power and Duquesne Light, are updating their default electricity supply rates this month to reflect rising generation prices. Default rate increases range from about 2% to 30% depending on the utility.
The increased pricing is due to higher wholesale market prices for natural gas, which is used for electricity generation, a spokesperson said. Customers also are paying more for electricity because it is in demand during the summer as people use air conditioning and other appliances, she said.
Despite the increase, met-ed is still the best choice for many consumers, especially those who want to save money and get great customer service. Its customer-friendly online account management system allows customers to see their distribution charges and electricity generation supplier costs on the same page, and it provides detailed usage information. Its WARM program helps low-income customers get free energy efficiency upgrades and weatherization services, while its Green & Bright rebates can help eligible households with their electric bills.
Pennsylvania is one of the few states where residential and commercial customers can shop for their energy supply from multiple retail suppliers that offer competitive rates. This new freedom, called Energy Choice, is allowing customers to lower the “supply” portion of their utility bill by choosing a retail electricity provider and plan that works for them.
Most electricity providers offer a variety of plans and features. Some offer fixed rates that won’t change for the duration of their contract. Others have a variable rate that fluctuates with market conditions. A third option is an indexed plan, which pairs a fixed price with a variable rate that’s tied to the price of natural gas or another commodity. It’s ideal for savvy shoppers who enjoy monitoring prices in real-time and who want the flexibility to move between fixed and indexed plans as they see fit.
To begin shopping for the best deals on Met-Ed electricity, go to the official state website, PA Power Switch, which offers hundreds of offers from a wide array of retail energy suppliers that are licensed to provide service in the state. The site allows you to filter by plan type and price to narrow down your options, and it includes a comprehensive glossary of terms and acronyms to help you better understand your Met-Ed bill.
Once you find a plan that fits your needs, visit the provider’s website to fill out an application. The company will check your credit and may require a deposit before beginning service. You can expect this process to take at least two days.
Alternatively, you can use Arbor’s free service to automatically compare and switch to the cheapest Met-Ed electricity rates every time your current provider’s contract term expires. The service, which is backed by the state’s Public Utilities Commission, will scan the marketplace and give you the lowest rates available in your service territory, irrespective of the local electric generation company.
