What is the Average Electric Bill in PA and How Can You Pay Less?
by Jenna Mendez
Updated: October 9, 2026
12.6 min read
Key Points of This Article:
- The average electric bill in PA is approximately $206 per month based on Santanna customer usage and Pennsylvania's average residential electricity price.
- Santanna's Pennsylvania customers used about 950 kWh per month on average during the period analyzed. At the state's June 2026 average residential price of 21.73¢ per kWh, that usage would cost about $206.
- The average electricity supply invoice was $106 per month. This is the supply portion only, not their total utility bill. Delivery charges, taxes, fees, and other charges may also apply.
- Your bill may be higher or lower depending on how much electricity you use, your rate, utility territory, and the season. Checking the kWh and charges on your bill will give you a more useful comparison than the dollar amount alone.
If you’ve recently opened your electricity bill and thought, “Wait… is this normal?” You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to Pennsylvania or just moved to a different utility area, understanding the average electric bill in PA is essential.
With over 7,000 customers in the Pennsylvania area alone, we at Santanna Energy Services have seen it all through our 35 years as an energy supplier. We know exactly what you’re looking for when you ask, “what is the average electric bill in PA?”
In this guide, we’ll break down the average monthly electric bill in PA using the latest state and national data. If you’re looking for clarity and cost-saving tips backed by real numbers and local insights, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look at what Pennsylvania residents are really paying, and what you can do about it.
What Is the Average Electric Bill in PA?
The average electric bill in PA is approximately $206 per month based on the usage of Santanna's Pennsylvania customers and the state's average residential electricity price.
We looked at our own Pennsylvania customer data from over 7,000 customers from August 2025 through August 2026 and learned that our electricity customers used an average of approximately 950 kWh per month, while the median customer used 722 kWh.
Among our Santanna customers, the average Santanna electricity supply invoice was $106 per month and the median was $87. These figures represent the Santanna supply portion of the customer's bill, not the customer's total utility bill, which can also include utility delivery charges, taxes, fees and other charges.
Actual electricity bills vary based on usage, utility territory, electricity plan, season, home characteristics and utility charges.
We arrived at this estimate based on two key data points:
- Average monthly electricity usage: 950 kilowatt-hours (kWh) used by the average Santanna Pennsylvania customer
- Average residential electricity rate: 21.73 cents per kWh as of June 2026.
Keep in mind, this is a statewide average. Your actual bill may vary depending on your location, home size, energy habits, and plan type and rate.
About this data: Santanna Energy Services analyzed electricity usage and supply invoices for 7,814 Pennsylvania customers from August 2025 through July 2026. Supply invoice amounts exclude utility delivery charges, taxes and other charges. Estimated total electricity costs use Pennsylvania's June 2026 average residential rate of 21.73¢ per kWh; they are benchmarks, not those customers' actual total bills.
Is Your Pennsylvania Electric Bill Normal?
Whether your Pennsylvania electric bill is high or low depends heavily on how much electricity you use but if you use around 950 kWh and your bill sits around $206 your electricity bill could be considered normal.
Is a $100 Electric Bill High in Pennsylvania?
A $100 total electric bill would be below our estimated $206 cost for a household using 950 kWh in a month. But the amount alone can't tell you whether your bill is high: a smaller home using less electricity might expect to pay less, while a home with electric heating might use much more. Compare your kWh usage with past bills before deciding whether $100 is unusual for your household.
Is a $150 Electric Bill High in Pennsylvania?
A $150 total electric bill is below the estimated $206 cost for 950 kWh at Pennsylvania's June 2026 average residential rate. Whether it's high for you depends on how much electricity you used, your rate, and your utility charges. If your bill rose, check whether your kWh usage increased or the price you paid changed.
Is a $200 Electric Bill High in Pennsylvania?
A $200 total electric bill is close to the estimated $206 cost for 950 kWh at Pennsylvania's June 2026 average residential rate. That makes it a useful point of comparison, but it doesn't mean every household should expect a $200 bill. Look at the kWh on your bill: $200 may be relatively high for low usage or unsurprising for a home using substantially more electricity.
How Much Does Electricity Cost in PA at Different Usage Levels?
| Monthly Usage | Estimated Electricity Bill based off 21.73 cents per kWh |
| 500 kWh | $108.65 |
| 750 kWh | $162.98 |
| 950 kWh | $206.44 |
| 1,000 kWh | $217.30 |
| 1,250 kWh | $271.63 |
| 1,500 kWh | $325.95 |
| 2,000 kWh | $434.60 |
How Do Electric Bills Vary Across Pennsylvania?
Electricity Usage and Estimated Costs for Santanna Customers by PA Utility Territory.
| Utility Territory | Avg. Usage | Median Usage | Avg. Santanna Supply Portion | Estimated Electricity Bill at 21.73¢/kWh* |
| Duquesne Light | 809 kWh | 652 kWh | $108 | $176 |
| PECO | 952 kWh | 741 kWh | $120 | $207 |
| PPL | 1,400 kWh | 1,122 kWh | $164 | $304 |
Data period: August 2025 through July 2026. Estimated electricity costs are calculated by multiplying average monthly usage by Pennsylvania’s 21.73¢/kWh average residential electricity price. Actual customer bills vary by utility, supplier, rate, taxes, fees and other charges. Santanna supply invoice figures represent only the Santanna electricity supply portion of the bill.
How Do Pennsylvania Electric Bills Change Throughout the Year?
Electricity use in Pennsylvania can change significantly throughout the year, particularly as heating and cooling needs change. Santanna Energy Services customer data shows how electricity usage among our Pennsylvania customers fluctuated from August 2025 through July 2026.
Average Monthly Electricity Usage and Bill in Pennsylvania
| Month | Avg. Usage | Avg. Santanna Supply Portion | Estimated Electricity Bill at 21.73¢/kWh* |
| Aug. 2025 | 813 kWh | $92 | $177 |
| Sept. | 762 kWh | $90 | $166 |
| Oct. | 730 kWh | $86 | $159 |
| Nov. | 976 kWh | $102 | $212 |
| Dec. | 1,162 kWh | $116 | $253 |
| Jan. 2026 | 1,263 kWh | $123 | $274 |
| Feb. | 958 kWh | $106 | $208 |
| March | 813 kWh | $100 | $177 |
| April | 721 kWh | $95 | $157 |
| May | 870 kWh | $105 | $189 |
| June | 1,203 kWh | $128 | $261 |
| July | 1,132 kWh | $124 | $246 |
Santanna’s Pennsylvania customer data shows a clear seasonal pattern. Average usage was one of the lowest usage months in October 2025 at 730 kWh and reached its highest point in January 2026 at 1,263 kWh. Usage also increased during the summer, reaching 1,203 kWh in June and 1,132 kWh in July.
The Santanna supply invoice figures above represent only the Santanna electricity supply portion of participating customers’ bills, not their total utility bills.
Actual bills can vary based on electricity rates, utility delivery charges, taxes, fees, electricity plans and other factors.
Are PA Electric Bills Higher in Winter?
They can be, especially in homes that use electricity for heating. Among Santanna’s Pennsylvania customers, average usage climbed from 730 kWh in October 2025 to 1,263 kWh in January 2026, an increase of about 73%. At Pennsylvania’s June 2026 average residential rate of 21.73¢ per kWh, that usage would translate to an estimated $159 in October and $274 in January.
Your winter bill may follow a different pattern depending on how you heat your home. A household with electric heat could see a sharp increase in electricity use, while one with natural gas heat may see more of its seasonal increase on the gas bill. These dollar figures are estimates based on usage and a statewide rate, not the actual total bills Santanna customers paid.
Are PA Electric Bills Higher in Summer?
They can be, especially when air conditioning raises electricity use.
Among Santanna’s Pennsylvania customers, average usage rose from 730 kWh in October 2025 to 1,203 kWh in June 2026 and 1,132 kWh in July 2026. At Pennsylvania’s June 2026 average residential rate, those summer usage levels would cost an estimated $261 and $246, respectively, compared with $159 for October’s usage.
These are comparisons based on Santanna customer usage, not the actual total bills those customers paid. In this dataset, January’s 1,263 kWh average was higher than either summer month, so summer wasn’t the only season with elevated usage.
What Is the Average Electric Rate in PA?
As of June 2026, Pennsylvania residents are paying an average of 21.73 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
This rate reflects the cost many residential customers pay when combining generation (supply) and distribution (delivery) charges from their utility or supplier. It’s slightly above the national average and can fluctuate seasonally or by region (especially if you’re on a variable-rate or default utility plan).
How Where You Live in PA Affects Your Electric Bill
Your electricity bill doesn’t just depend on how much energy you use, it also depends on where in Pennsylvania you live.
Each city falls under a different utility provider, which sets unique delivery rates, service charges, and default supply prices. That’s why two families with identical energy habits can have very different electric bills depending on their ZIP code.
The good news? Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market allows most residents to shop for a different supplier—giving you the chance to choose a plan that better fits your usage and budget, no matter where you live.
How to Shop for Electricity in PA
Shopping for electricity in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
- Start by reviewing your past bills to understand how much energy you typically use. This will help you choose a plan that fits your needs—whether you want predictable pricing, green energy, or more control over your monthly budget.
- Decide what matters most: Are you looking to lock in a fixed rate? Support clean energy? Or pay a flat monthly supply charge no matter how much you use? PA offers all of these options.
- Once you know your priorities, compare suppliers. Look at rates (measured in kWh), contract terms, and any perks like loyalty rewards or green energy sourcing. Don’t forget to read the fine print—check for fees, automatic renewals, and what happens when promotional rates end.
- When you’re ready, switching is simple. You can sign up online with just your utility account number.
To dive deeper into how to choose the right plan, view our full guide here.
How to Pay Less for Electricity in PA
Here are a few energy-efficient tips that can help you pay less for electricity in PA:
- Switch to LED Lighting: LEDs use far less power than traditional bulbs and last much longer, which means you’ll use less electricity over time without needing to replace them often.
- Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat: These thermostats help you automatically adjust your home’s temperature throughout the day. You’ll use energy more efficiently without constantly needing to think about it.
- Lower Your Water Heater Temperature: Most homes heat water hotter than necessary. Setting your water heater to a more reasonable temperature reduces energy use while still giving you plenty of hot water for daily needs.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Small gaps and drafts can let heated or cooled air escape, causing your HVAC system to work harder. Sealing those leaks keeps your home more comfortable and cuts down on wasted energy.
- Unplug Phantom Energy Devices: Many devices still use electricity even when turned off. Unplugging them when not in use—or using a power strip—helps eliminate this hidden drain on your bill.
- Wash Laundry in Cold Water: Heating water uses a lot of energy. Switching to cold water for laundry helps cut down your bill without sacrificing clean clothes.
- Clean or Replace HVAC Filters Regularly: When filters are dirty, your system has to work harder to move air. Keeping them clean helps your system run more efficiently and prevents overuse of electricity.
- Use Curtains Strategically: Opening curtains during the day lets in natural warmth from the sun, reducing your heating needs. Closing them at night helps keep warm air from escaping through windows.
- Reduce Shower Time: Shorter showers mean less hot water used—which also means your water heater uses less energy to keep up.
- Track Your Usage & Set Goals: Keeping an eye on your daily or weekly energy use helps you notice patterns and make small adjustments that add up to meaningful savings.
Need Help with Your Electric Bill in PA? Here’s Some Programs to Help
If you’re struggling to keep up with your electricity costs, you’re not alone. Many Pennsylvania residents are actively looking for help with their electric bill in PA, and there are real resources available.
Bill Assistance Programs
Pennsylvania offers several state-funded and utility-specific programs to support income-eligible residents. These programs can help reduce monthly payments, avoid service shutoffs, and manage unexpected costs:
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): A federally funded program that helps eligible households with heating bills, crisis grants, and weatherization assistance. Applications typically open in the fall and close in spring.
- Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs): Major electric utility providers like PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light, FirstEnergy, and others offer CAPs that provide discounted monthly payments based on your income.
- Budget Billing Plans: Offered by most utility companies, these plans average out your electricity costs over 12 months to help you avoid seasonal bill spikes and better manage your monthly expenses.
- Hardship Funds & Emergency Aid: Utilities and local nonprofits may offer emergency grants or one-time hardship assistance if you’re at risk of disconnection.
FAQ
What charges are included in a Pennsylvania electric bill?
A Pennsylvania electric bill can include electricity supply charges, utility delivery or distribution charges, taxes, fees, and other utility-specific charges. Your supply charge covers the electricity you use, while delivery charges cover the utility’s cost of delivering electricity to your home and maintaining the local electric system. The exact charges and terminology on your bill can vary by utility.
Why can two Pennsylvania homes using the same amount of electricity have different bills?
Two Pennsylvania households can use the same number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) and still pay different amounts because their electricity rates, utility territories, supply plans, delivery charges, taxes, and fees may differ.
Does my Pennsylvania utility company affect how much I pay for electricity?
Your utility company can affect your total electric bill because utilities have their own delivery charges, fees, and rate structures. Depending on where you live in Pennsylvania, you may also be able to choose an electricity supplier for the supply portion of your bill. Your utility will still deliver electricity to your home and maintain the local electric infrastructure.
What part of my Pennsylvania electric bill can I control by choosing an electricity supplier?
Choosing an electricity supplier can affect the supply portion of your Pennsylvania electric bill. Depending on the options available in your area, you may be able to choose a supplier and electricity plan with different rates, terms, or pricing structures. Your utility’s delivery charges, taxes, fees, and other utility charges are separate and are not set by your electricity supplier.
Understanding what drives your electricity costs in Pennsylvania is the first step to taking control of them. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal spikes, unpredictable utility rates, or an older, less energy-efficient home, the truth is—you have options.
From comparing statewide averages to identifying usage patterns and understanding rate structures, this guide was designed to help you feel informed and empowered. But information alone doesn’t affect your bill—smart choices do.
If your current plan doesn’t fit your home, your habits, or your budget, it might be time to switch. Explore energy solutions that fit your lifestyle with Santanna Energy Services today!
Jenna Mendez is an experienced energy content professional who has spent four years researching, writing, and managing authoritative educational content for Midwest energy consumers at Santanna Energy Services. As a lifelong Illinois resident, Jenna brings firsthand knowledge of the region’s climate, communities, and household energy needs to her work.
She specializes in translating complex energy topics into clear, practical guidance about electricity and natural gas costs, appliance energy use, energy efficiency, and everyday home living. Drawing on industry research, Santanna customer data, and insights from experienced energy professionals, Jenna incorporates this knowledge into her content to help homeowners better understand their energy choices and make informed decisions for their households.
