The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is alerting consumers that many utilities are adjusting their utility rates on December 1st. Video above: Home heating costs, what to expect this winter and ways to save. Residents are urged to inform themselves of these changes and explore options for managing winter energy bills. During cold weather months, the cost of the energy used – either electricity or natural gas – can account for more than half of a typical customer bill, so the price of that energy is very important. ElectricAll Pennsylvania-regulated electric utilities adjust their comparative prices for residential, non-purchase customers. On average, the PTC accounts for 40% to 60% of the customer’s total electricity bill. However, this percentage varies depending on the utility and the level of individual customer usage. Electric distribution companies serving the Susquehanna Valley report the following changes: Met-Ed: +10.4% (from 10.24 cents to 11.306 cents per kWh) PECO: -7.8% (from 9.672 cents to 8.919 cents per kWh )Penelec: +9.3% (from 9.703 cents to 10.607 cents per kWh)PPL: -9% (from 12.126 cents to 11.028 cents per kWh)Natural GasMany of Pennsylvania’s natural gas distribution companies have also released their PTCs this fall for non- Customized for shopping customers. The following NGDCs report PTC changes for residential customers: Columbia Gas of PA: -38.5% (from $0.46849 to $0.2881 per therm). The adjusted price for UGI utilities is not yet available. Understand utility bills. There are two main components of monthly electricity or natural gas bills Gas Bills: Generation/Utility Fee: This fee covers the cost of electricity or natural gas consumption during the month and depends on whether a customer chooses to purchase its energy services. The energy costs for this part of the bill are determined by a consumer’s contract with a competing provider or, for consumers who do not purchase, by the energy provider’s comparison price. Delivery/Distribution Fee: This fee covers the cost of operating and maintaining the poles, wires, pipes, and other infrastructure that supplies energy to a home or business. This part of the monthly bill goes to the local energy supplier. Consumers cannot purchase energy delivery/distribution services. Shop by SupplierIn most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity or natural gas. PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com allow consumers to compare prices and learn more about switching electricity.Video Below: How to Shop for ElectricityStandard Offer ProgramFor customers who do not participate in the competitive electricity market, Pennsylvania’s regulated utilities offer a voluntary standard offer program. It offers customers the opportunity to receive services from a competitive provider at a fixed price that is 7% below the utility’s current PTC. The SOP price is fixed for one year and can be canceled by the customer at any time without early repayment penalty or termination fees. Consumers should contact their energy provider or visit their energy provider’s website for more information or to sign up for an SOP. Managing Energy Usage The PUC has provided these energy saving tips: Pay attention to the thermostat: Every degree you raise or lower the temperature can impact energy costs by up to 3%. Consider a programmable thermostat to automatically lower temperatures when you’re not home. Get your furnace serviced: Regular furnace maintenance and clean air filters will keep your heating system running efficiently. Insulate and Seal Leaks Around Your Home: Insulating, installing storm windows and doors, and sealing cracks and air leaks can help use less energy. Install or repair ceiling fans in high-traffic rooms: Many people can reverse the direction of ceiling fans clockwise to create an updraft and move warmer air down near the ceiling. Keep the room warmer. Consider resetting your water heater thermostat: Water heaters are the second highest source of energy in the home, and many people have their water heater thermostat set too high. Setting your water heater temperature a few degrees cooler can save you money on your electric bills. Below: How much snow will there be this winter?
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is alerting consumers that many utilities are adjusting their utility rates on December 1st.
Video above: Heating costs, what to expect this winter and ways to save.
Residents are urged to inform themselves of these changes and consider options for managing winter energy bills.
During cold weather months, the cost of the energy used – be it electricity or natural gas – can account for more than half of a typical customer bill, so the price of that energy is very important.
Electric
All Pennsylvania regulated utilities adjust their benchmark prices for residential, non-purchase customers.
On average, the PTC accounts for 40 to 60% of the customer’s total electricity bill. However, this percentage varies depending on the utility and the level of individual customer usage.
Electric distribution companies serving the Susquehanna Valley are reporting the following changes:
- Met-Ed: +10.4% (from 10.24 cents to 11.306 cents per kWh)
- PECO: -7.8% (from 9.672 cents to 8.919 cents per kWh)
- Penelec: +9.3% (from 9.703 cents to 10.607 cents per kWh)
- PPL: -9% (from 12.126 cents to 11.028 cents per kWh)
natural gas
Many natural gas distribution companies in Pennsylvania also adjusted their PTCs for non-purchase customers this fall.
The following NGDCs report PTC changes for retail customers:
- Columbia Gas of PA: -38.5% (from $0.46849 to $0.2881 per therm)
The adjusted price for UGI Utilities is not yet available.
Understanding utility bills
The monthly electricity or natural gas bill consists of two main components:
- Generation/Provision Fee: This fee covers the cost of electricity or natural gas consumption during the month and depends on whether a customer chooses to purchase its energy services. The energy costs for this part of the bill are determined by a consumer’s contract with a competing provider or, for consumers who do not purchase, by the energy provider’s comparison price.
- Delivery/Distribution Fee: This fee covers the cost of operating and maintaining the poles, wires, pipes, and other infrastructure that supplies energy to a home or business. This part of the monthly bill goes to the local energy supplier. Consumers cannot purchase energy delivery/distribution services.
Shopping for suppliers
In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity or natural gas.
PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com allow consumers to compare prices and learn more about switching.
Video below: How to buy electricity
Standard Offer Program
For customers who do not participate in the competitive electricity market, Pennsylvania’s regulated utilities offer a voluntary standard offering program. It offers customers the opportunity to receive services from a competitive provider at a fixed price that is 7% below the utility’s current PTC. The SOP price is fixed for one year and can be canceled by the customer at any time without early repayment penalty or termination fees.
Consumers should contact their energy provider or visit their website for more information or to sign up for an SOP.
Managing energy consumption
The PUC offered these energy saving tips:
- Pay attention to the thermostat: every degree you raise or lower the temperature can affect energy costs by up to 3%. Consider a programmable thermostat to automatically lower temperatures when you’re not home.
- Have your furnace serviced: Regular furnace maintenance and clean air filters keep your heating system running efficiently.
- Insulate and seal leaks around your home: Adding insulation, installing storm windows and doors, and sealing cracks and air leaks can help you use less energy.
- Install or repair ceiling fans in high-traffic rooms: Many people can reverse the direction of ceiling fans clockwise to create an updraft and move warmer air near the ceiling down, keeping the room warmer.
- Consider resetting your water heater thermostat: Water heaters are the second highest source of energy in the home, and many people have their water heater thermostat set too high. Setting your water heater temperature a few degrees cooler can save you money on your energy bills.
Below: How much snow will there be this winter?
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