Compare Pennsylvania’s lowest electricity rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate* |
|---|---|---|
| Public Power - Electric 12 Month Fixed Rate | 12 months | $0.070/ kWh |
| Frontier Utilities - PA Frontier Secure Power 12 | 12 months | $0.084/ kWh |
| Constellation - 6 Month Home Power Plan | 6 months | $0.085/ kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 8 | 8 months | $0.085/ kWh |
| Smart Energy - Green 6 Month Fixed Rate | 6 months | $0.086/ kWh |
| Atlantic Energy - Atlantic Secure Choice 12 | 12 months | $0.092/ kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 11/21/2024, 12:28:40 AM CST for ZIP Code 19038. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
*All pricing shown in cents per kWh
Average Pennsylvania electricity rates in October 2024
- The average residential electric rate in Pennsylvania is 17.45 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), based on the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This average is 4.8% higher than the national average rate of 16.62 cents per kWh.
- The latest average commercial Pennsylvania energy rate is 10.92 cents per kWh, which is 19.5% lower than the national average rate of 13.58 cents per kWh.
Types of energy plans in Pennsylvania
The Choose Energy marketplace has several popular types of energy plans you can shop for, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Consider your energy needs and preferences when comparing plans to find the best option. The following is a rundown of the types of energy plans you may find on our marketplace.
- Fixed-rate plans: With this type of plan, your electric rate remains the same for the entirety of your contract. Fixed-rate plans offer the most stability and generally lead to predictable energy bills. You will have to sign a contract, which may last anywhere from six months to three years. If you cancel your service before your contract expires, your Pennsylvania electric supplier may charge an early termination fee (ETF). Your supplier will waive the ETF if you move out of the service area.
- Variable-rate plans: If you sign up for a variable-rate plan, your electric price will fluctuate based on the wholesale cost of electricity. The market cost of power depends on energy demand. Your rate will likely increase when demand is high. On the other hand, times of low demand can result in cheaper electric bills. Variable-rate plans are riskier, but they’re more flexible than fixed-rate plans. You won’t have to sign a contract, allowing you to switch to another plan at any time.
- Prepaid and no-deposit plans: Depending on your credit score, you may need to pay a deposit before your service begins. Most Pennsylvania energy providers require a deposit if your credit score is below their credit threshold. To avoid a deposit, consider no-deposit electricity plan options, such as a prepaid energy plan. This plan type allows you to pay for your electricity in advance and top up the balance when it gets low.
- Renewable energy plans: Some providers offer electricity plans powered by renewable energy sources, including wind energy and solar power. You can find the exact percentage of renewable energy in each plan by reading the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). To explore green energy rates and plans in your area, enter your ZIP code.
Pennsylvania electric companies
In a deregulated marketplace, energy suppliers and utility companies are responsible for different tasks. Understanding the differences between the two will help you know who to contact if you have questions about billing or power outages.
Energy suppliers
Energy deregulation allows you to compare electric rates in Pennsylvania and purchase power from the electric supplier of your choice. Power companies compete to sell various types of energy plans to customers. A few popular Pennsylvania electric providers include:
Utility providers
Utility companies in Pennsylvania maintain power infrastructure and deliver electricity to your home. They are also responsible for dealing with power outages. Your utility is assigned based on where you live, meaning you can’t choose it. The major Pennsylvania utilities include:
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) balances utility and consumer needs to protect customers in the energy industry. The PUC oversees, licenses, and regulates utility companies and services in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania price to compare
The price to compare (PTC) is the default rate offered by utilities for customers who don’t sign up for a plan with an alternative supplier. You can use the PTC to compare other plans when switching energy providers. The following table lists the PTC for each major Pennsylvania utility.
| Utility | Price to Compare | Effective Since | Choose Energy Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duquesne | 11.85 ¢ per kWh | 9/25/2024 | 9.39 ¢ per kWh |
| Metropolitan Edison | 10.4 ¢ per kWh | 6/1/2024 | 9.69 ¢ per kWh |
| PECO | 9.24 ¢ per kWh | 9/1/2024 | 8.39 ¢ per kWh |
| PENELEC | 9.75 ¢ per kWh | 9/1/2024 | 9.29 ¢ per kWh |
| Penn Power | 10.38 ¢ per kWh | 9/1/2024 | 9.79 ¢ per kWh |
| PPL Electric Utilities | 10.04 ¢ per kWh | 6/1/2024 | 9.99 ¢ per kWh |
| West Penn Power | 8.78 ¢ per kWh | 6/1/2024 | 8.09 ¢ per kWh |
Average electric bill in Pennsylvania
The typical residential electricity customer in Pennsylvania consumes 854 kWh per month, according to the EIA. Using the current Pennsylvania electric rate (17.45 cents per kWh) and monthly energy usage, the average electric bill in Pennsylvania is about $149 per month.
Understanding deregulation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania passed an act to deregulate its electricity market in 1996. In 1999, state legislators passed a similar measure for natural gas providers.
While electric choice benefits many customers, it can be overwhelming to choose the right plan or provider with so many available options. Choose Energy is an excellent resource to help you track down affordable rates whenever you decide to shop for a new plan. Enter your ZIP code to start exploring the best rates in Pennsylvania today.
Find the right energy plan with Choose Energy
Our free marketplace makes it easy to find the best Pennsylvania energy plan and affordable electricity rates. You can browse your options in one place and sign up quickly. Here’s how the process works:
- Enter your ZIP code. We’ll use this information to show you today’s lowest electric rates in Pennsylvania and help you compare plans available in your area.
- Select a plan. Once you’ve made your choice, you can sign up over the phone or online. Either method is fast and simple.
- Enjoy your electric plan. Your new supplier will take care of the switch and handle the setup without interrupting your service.
Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania energy
Is a deposit required for my energy plan?
Energy suppliers sometimes require a deposit before beginning service. Deposit requirements are typically based on your credit score. If you want to avoid paying a deposit, you can explore no-deposit options in your area with the Choose Energy marketplace. Enter your ZIP code and filter for “all credit approved” plans.
What happens if I don’t sign up for an energy plan from a supplier?
If you don’t choose your electric supplier in Pennsylvania, you’ll automatically be enrolled in a plan with the default rate from your local utility. The price you pay will be based on the price to compare for your area. You may think this option sounds easiest, but the PTC is often higher than rates offered by alternative suppliers.
How can I lower my electric bill?
Reducing your energy usage is the easiest way to lower your energy bill. You could try installing energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances to reduce your overall power usage. Another simple option is to unplug appliances when you’re not using them to cut down on consumption. Alternatively, explore our marketplace to find a lower electricity rate than your current one.