How Much is the Average Electric Bill in Philadelphia? 2024

Let’s face it: nobody enjoys paying bills, but your electric bill might feel like an extra jab to the wallet, especially in a city like Philadelphia. Whether you’re figuring out your average bill or curious why your bill is so high, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will break down everything you need to know about electricity costs in Philadelphia and give you actionable tips to keep your electricity bill more predictable. 

How much is the average electric bill in Philadelphia? 

The average electricity bill in Philadelphia as of August 2024 is around $181.13 per year.  

We arrived at this estimate based on the following factors: an average monthly electricity consumption of 875 kWh for U.S. homes and an average rate of 20.7 cents per kWh as of August 2024. As a result, you can expect the average annual electric bill in Philadelphia to be approximately $181.13. 

You can expect the average electric bill in Philadelphia to be around $181.13 per year. This is of course, assuming if your energy rate and monthly energy consumption follows our estimation. 

Average electric bill in Philadelphia as of August 2024  

The average energy consumption is based on the E.I.A’s estimate of the average energy consumption of residential customers in the U.S. at 10,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, with a monthly estimate of 875 kilowatt-hours.  

Average electric bill in Philadelphia based on different energy usage  

What does my electric bill consist of?  

Depending on your energy provider and plan type, the exact components of your energy bill might vary. Generally, an electricity bill consists of: 

Supply Charges: This portion of your bill covers the cost of the electricity you use. It reflects the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that your energy provider charges for generating the electricity. 

Delivery Charges: These charges cover the cost of delivering electricity to your home. 

Transmission Charges: Transmission charges are fees associated with the large-scale movement of electricity from power plants to your local utility company. This is an essential part of the grid that ensures electricity is available in your area.  

Taxes and Fees: This portion of your bill consists of various state and local taxes, along with environmental surcharges, and may also appear on your bill. These could include sales tax, utility-specific fees, and charges to support green energy initiatives.  

Factors that might affect your Philadelphia electric bill  

Understanding the various factors that influence your electric bill can help you manage and understand your energy costs more effectively. Many elements contribute to fluctuations in your monthly electricity charges. Here are some of the most common factors that might affect your Philadelphia electric bill: 

1. Winter vs. Summer Costs: Heating your home in the winter and cooling it in the summer can significantly impact your monthly electric bill, often doubling or even tripling your costs because of increased energy usage.  
2. Household Size & Usage: Larger households or homes with energy-hungry appliances may experience higher-than-average bills. Smaller apartments or energy-efficient homes might have lower monthly costs.  
3. Appliance Efficiency: The age and efficiency of your appliances play a crucial role in your electric bill. The older the appliance, the harder your appliance has to work and the more your electricity bill could increase. 
4. Home Insulation and Efficiency: The insulation and overall energy efficiency of your home can significantly affect your heating and cooling costs. The less insulated your home is, the more likely hot and cool air can’t be retained in your home. 

What is the average electric bill?  

The average monthly electricity bill for residential customers in the United States in 2023 totaled $138.  

This amount can vary significantly depending on factors such as geographic location, local utility rates, and household energy consumption habits. 

What makes my electric bill high in Philadelphia?  

Like every location, there are factors out of our control that can increase your electricity bill. Some of the most common things that can lead to a high electric bill in Philadelphia include: 

Urban areas like Philadelphia often have higher energy demands, particularly during peak seasons. Higher demands for energy means higher energy usage which leads to higher electricity bills. Similarly, the larger your home is, the more energy it will use to maintain an ideal temperature. This will often lead to higher energy bills. 

In the summer, Philadelphia has an average high of 86 degrees during peak season in July. The hotter the temperature gets in summer, the bigger the demand for air conditioning. The same follows for heating demand in the winter. 

Another factor that contributes to what makes an electric bill high is your energy plan type. For example, if you’re on a variable plan, your energy rate fluctuates from month to month leaving you vulnerable to price hikes. This unpredictability can lead to increased energy bills for Philadelphia residents. 

How to lower your Philadelphia electricity bill  

Lowering your electric bill in Philadelphia is easier than you think! Here are some of our top tips for a lower electricity bill: 

1. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can save up to 30% on energy bills. These appliances are designed to use less energy while maintaining the same level of performance, meaning you won’t sacrifice quality for savings. 
2. Switch to LED Lighting: LEDs have a longer lifespan and require less wattage, which translates to substantial savings on your electricity bill.  
3. Reduce Phantom Loads: Phantom energy consumption occurs when devices continue to draw power even when they are turned off or in standby mode. To combat this, unplug electronics like chargers, computers, and entertainment systems when not in use.  
4. Use a Smart Thermostat: Investing in a smart thermostat can help you manage your heating and cooling more efficiently. These devices learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting the temperature automatically to optimize energy use.  
5. Consider an energy monitoring system: Smart home energy monitors allow homeowners to track real-time energy usage, helping them understand when and how they consume the most power.  
6. Better Insulation: Proper insulation and weatherproofing can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15-20%.  
7. Energy Audits: Consider scheduling a professional energy audit for your home or performing a DIY energy audit. This allows you to take targeted actions to improve your home’s energy efficiency, leading to lower bills.  
8. Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust your energy use according to the seasons. In summer, close curtains during the hottest parts of the day to keep your home cooler and reduce air conditioning costs. In winter, open curtains on sunny days to allow natural warmth in and close them at night to retain heat.  

What is the average natural gas & electric rate in Philadelphia? 

How to pay your electric bill 

The exact method of paying your bill will vary based on your provider. Here’s a few ways of how you can pay your electric bill: 

1. Log into your electric provider’s website and follow instructions to pay using a bank account, debit, or credit card.  
2. Use your provider’s mobile app (if available) to pay directly from your phone or tablet.  
3. Send a check or money order to your electric provider’s billing address, including the payment stub from your bill.  
4. Call your electric provider’s customer service number to pay your bill over the phone with a credit/debit card or bank account information.   

LIHEAP Program (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in PA)  

If you need help paying your monthly energy bill in Philadelphia, consider enrolling in a low income home energy assistance program.  

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in PA provides financial aid to low-income households, helping them pay for heating or cooling bills during peak seasons (winter for heating, summer for cooling).  

Households that meet specific income guidelines are eligible. These guidelines vary based on household size and total income. The amount of assistance varies depending on your income, energy usage, and family size. Assistance can be a one-time payment directly to the utility company.  

Keep your Philadelphia electric bill budget-friendly!  

With our Unlimited Energy plan, you’ll get all the electricity or natural gas you need, without surprise fluctuations in the supply portion of your bill.** You can rest easy knowing that the supply portion of your energy bill will remain predictable, providing peace of mind and simplicity when it comes to managing your household budget. Plus, our seamless switching process makes it easier than ever to start living more budget-friendly. 

*Rate for cents per kilowatt and rate per therm is based on the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average electricity and gas rate from the Philadelphia area. 

** Restrictions apply. Enrollment based upon program eligibility. Customers using more than 125% of normal monthly usage as determined by Santanna may be required to switch plans.