Solar Energy
Electricity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
About Switching Residential Electricity
Why should I shop for electricity?
Just like you shop for any household item, you can shop for your electricity to find the best deal and the best service for your needs. Remember, saving just one cent per kWh could translate into more than $100 a year in savings, depending on usage. Competitive offers may not be available in all areas.
What is an electric supplier?
Your electric supplier is the company that provides your electric generation service. In Pennsylvania, you have the power to choose your electric supplier.
If I choose a new electric supplier, what part of my service will change?
There are three parts to your electric service: generation, transmission and distribution. Generation is the production of electricity. Transmission is the movement of that electricity from where it is produced to a local distribution system. Distribution is the delivery of electricity to your home or business.
When you shop for an electric supplier, you are choosing the company that generates your electricity. For most electric customers who select a new supplier, transmission costs will also be included in the charges from your new supplier. The electric utility that distributes your electricity will remain the same.
How do I know that a different supplier will provide reliable service?
If you choose a new electric supplier, the quality, reliability, and maintenance of your electric service will not change. Your current electric utility will continue to provide the same transmission and distribution service. And electric suppliers must be licensed by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to do business in Pennsylvania.
Will I still be able to take advantage of "budget billing"?
Yes — Residential customers may contact their electric utility and/or supplier and request budget billing at any time. Most suppliers offer budget billing, which allows you to pay a fixed amount each month. Budget billing averages bills out over 12 months, so each monthly bill will be the same amount until the total bill is paid. The company may adjust the bill four times a year, up or down, depending on the customer's use.
What is the "price to compare"?
The price to compare (PTC) is the price per kilowatt hour (kWh) your electric distribution
company will charge. As you shop for electricity, ask competitive suppliers to provide
you with a PTC so that you can make an apples-
Who should I call about outages and repairs?
You will still call your electric utility about power outages and repairs.
Who do I contact if I have billing questions?
If you have a question about the generation charges, contact your electric supplier. Otherwise, you should continue to contact your electric utility to report outages and request repairs.