Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

Electricity rates in Pennsylvania

The Keystone State offers choice — and potential savings — when it comes to your energy supplier.

The road to utilities deregulation in Pennsylvania began in 1997 when the state’s General Assembly enacted Bill 1509. The bill required all utilities to provide a restructuring plan, and by early 2000, 100% of electric customers in the state had access to their pick of licensed retail providers. Find out how being spoiled for choice in the Keystone State could help you save.

Best energy prices in Pennsylvania

See the lowest rates available today for your location on the deregulated energy market.

Get the cheapest quotes on your electricity provider

Enter your ZIP code to see electricity providers near you.

Your information is secure.


Key players in Pennsylvania’s energy market

Energy in Pennsylvania is provided and regulated by a few key bodies.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commision (PUC)

The PUC was established in 1937 and has since been regulating the utility services of entities across the state. Some of the nearly 7,000 entities under the PUC’s purview include electricity, natural gas, railroads and telecommunications.

PA Power Switch

Run by the PUC, PA Power Switch is a one-stop shop for comparing the hundreds of electric suppliers available to you or your business in Pennsylvania.

PA Gas Switch

Also regulated by the PUC, PA Gas Switch is its official gas shopping website.

Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA)

Established by the General Assembly in 1976, the OCA acts on behalf of the consumer when it comes to all things utilities. In addition to handling anything from customer complaints to energy education, the OCA also deals with state and federal courts and works directly with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Electric utility companies in Pennsylvania

There are 11 regulated utility companies that distribute energy across Pennsylvania’s homes and businesses.

  • Citizens’ Electric Company
  • Duquesne Light
  • Met-Ed
  • PECO Energy
  • Penelec
  • Penn Power
  • Pike County Light & Power
  • PPL Electric Utilities
  • UGI
  • Wellsboro Electric Company
  • West Penn Power

Retail electricity providers

Though there are nearly 500 licensed electric suppliers on the PA Power Switch website, not all of them are actively making offers on the marketplace. A supplier may decide at any time to make or withdraw an offer at its discretion. Though the companies and offers are subject to change at any time, there are currently 112 electricity suppliers with active offers on PA Power Switch.

Natural gas utility companies in Pennsylvania

In 1999, Pennsylvania passed the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act (NGCCA), allowing residents the freedom to choose their provider. Today, natural gas is distributed by eight companies.

  • Columbia Gas of PA., Inc.
  • National Fuel Gas
  • PECO Gas
  • Peoples Gas Company LLC
  • Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC
  • Peoples Natural Gas – Equitable Division
  • Philadelphia Gas Works
  • UGI Utilities

Retail natural gas providers

Choosing a natural gas provider in Pennsylvania works in much the same way as choosing an electric provider. There are over 300 gas providers licensed by the PUC, but you’re only able to shop those that have active offers on PA Gas Switch.

How to find the cheapest energy rate in Pennsylvania

With so many providers to choose from in the Keystone State, arming yourself with the best methods for comparing prices can help you save. To begin:

  1. Calculate your current energy use. Look at a few of your most recent energy bills and average out your use by energy unit — per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity.
  2. Shop by ZIP code on an energy marketplace. Marketplaces like EnergyBot can help you compare rates and energy plans specific to your residence with your ZIP code and information about your home.

Get the cheapest quotes on your electricity provider

Enter your ZIP code to see electricity providers near you.

Your information is secure.


Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, request the providers’ price to compare (PTC), which is the price per kilowatt hour. Gathering the PTC for each provider allows you to pit accurate figures against each other, apples-to-apples.

How to switch electricity plans in Pennsylvania

After you’ve found an electricity supplier that fits your energy needs, gather up a current monthly bill and get ready for the big switch.

  • Call your new energy supplier. Confirm the details of your energy plan and ask any remaining questions. You may need to provide information from your current utility provider to transfer your account. Ask how long you can expect to wait until it’s completed.
  • Call your old provider. Your new supplier will likely notify your old supplier, but it’s helpful to confirm the process directly with your current company.
  • Review your first bill. Make sure the details of your new bill match your contract or agreement and flag any issues as soon as possible for a fix.

About energy deregulation in Pennsylvania

As it stands today, there are 29 states with deregulated energy sectors. In 1997, Pennsylvania became one of those states when its General Assembly enacted Bill 1509. Prior to the bill’s passing, residents and businesses were forced to rely on a monopoly of energy distributors for their electric and gas needs.

After years of initial rollouts in the late 1990s, all Pennsylvania residents now have dozens of distributors and hundreds of providers to choose from.

What to look out for

Results of deregulation are mixed, and there’s research to suggest that it doesn’t lead to the savings it promises over the regulated market. There’s also the potential for suppliers to lure customers into plans without transparency around the risks.

A confusing deregulated market has also resulted in multiple scams, with unscrupulous suppliers targeting the elderly, low-income households and other vulnerable communities with aggressive calls to switch utility companies and promises to save money. According to the PUC, sales agents are required to identify themselves and clearly explain the reason for their call or visit to increase transparency.

More guides on Finder

Go to site