About Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec) is a utility company based in Erie that serves customers across Pennsylvania. Its roots trace back to 1919, but today, it’s part of the FirstEnergy company.
Currently, Penelec has almost 600,000 electric customers in the northern and central parts of the Keystone State. Its service area includes the communities of Altoona, Bedford, Erie, Somerset, and Warren.
Penelec price to compare
Energy customers in Pennsylvania can choose which company they purchase electricity from, thanks to deregulation. If you’re a Penelec utility customer and don’t choose an alternate electricity provider, you’ll buy power from Penelec at its default rate — also known as the price to compare (PTC). As of August 2024, Penelec’s residential PTC is 9.7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and its commercial PTC is 10.2 cents per kWh.
Penelec electricity rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate* |
|---|---|---|
| Public Power - Electric 12 Month Fixed Rate | 12 months | $0.089/ kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 8 | 8 months | $0.097/ kWh |
| Energy Harbor - Safe Harbor Value 6 | 6 months | $0.101/ kWh |
| Constellation - 6 Month Home Power Plan | 6 months | $0.104/ kWh |
| Smart Energy - Green 6 Month Fixed Rate | 6 months | $0.111/ kWh |
| CleanChoice Energy - Clean World | 12 months | $0.144/ kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 12/20/2024, 4:28:44 AM CST for ZIP Code 15901. 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
How to get a cheaper Penelec electric rate
If you live in the Penelec service area, you can use Choose Energy to shop around for energy plans and lock in a cheaper rate. Here’s how our marketplace works:
- Enter your ZIP code. Once you share your ZIP code and select Penelec as your utility, we’ll display the latest electricity rates in your area.
- Explore and sign up. You can filter and sort the results to find the plans, rates, and providers to match your needs. If you find one you like, it only takes a few minutes to sign up for a new plan online. You can also call the phone number on this page to connect with an energy expert or sign up over the phone.
- Enjoy your new plan. Your new Pennsylvania electricity provider will take care of the setup process.
Penelec service areas
Penelec operates in northern and central Pennsylvania, serving nearly 600,000 customers. Its territory spans several counties, including:
- Bedford
- Bradford
- Cambria
- Clearfield
- Erie
- Indiana
- Jefferson
- Somerset
- Susquehanna
- Tioga
- Warren
Image courtesy of FirstEnergyCorp.com.
Difference between a utility company and an energy provider
In Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market, there are utility companies — like Penelec — and energy providers. If you live here, you can’t choose your utility — it’s assigned by your location. However, you’re free to pick your own electric company from a competitive market of options.
Utilities and providers serve different purposes. Pennsylvania utility companies deliver electricity to homes and businesses within their service territories. They also take care of local electrical infrastructure (like power lines) and respond to power outages — so make sure to call your utility if you lose electricity. By comparison, energy providers purchase electricity and sell it to consumers through energy plans. They manage your account and customer service questions.
Electric providers available in the Penelec service area
There are quite a few electric companies operating in Penelec’s service area — and you can find many of them on Choose Energy. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- CleanChoice Energy
- Clearview Energy
- Constellation Energy
- Direct Energy
- Energy Harbor
- Public Power
- Smart Energy
Contact Penelec Energy
Keep in mind: If your power goes out or you need to report a downed power line, you should notify your utility (not your electricity provider). Here’s how to contact Penelec:
- To report an outage, visit Penelec’s online outage center, call 1-888-544-4877, or text “OUT” to 544487
- For customer service, call 1-800-545-7741 or fill out this form
- If Penelec is also your electric company, log into your Penelec account for billing, usage, and account management
FAQs about Penelec
Do Penelec electric providers offer fixed rates?
Yes, many electricity providers within Penelec’s service area offer fixed-rate energy plans, including Constellation, Direct Energy, and Public Power.
Is Penelec the only electric company in Pennsylvania?
No, Penelec is one of several electric utility companies in Pennsylvania. Other utilities in the Keystone State include Duquesne Light, Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), and PPL Electric Utilities.
How can I lower my Penelec energy bill?
There are a few strategies that may help reduce your electric bill. For starters, you can try making small changes around your home (like using energy-efficient light bulbs and unplugging appliances when they aren’t in use) to lower your electricity consumption. You can also try signing up for a green energy plan or switching energy providers to secure a cheaper rate.