What is the Price to Compare for Electricity in PA?

What Is the Electricity Price to Compare in PA and Why It Matters 

The Price to Compare (PTC) is a helpful starting point when you’re looking at electricity options in Pennsylvania. It’s the default rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that your utility charges if you haven’t picked a competitive supplier.  

While it can help you spot where you might save money, keep in mind that electricity rates change often. We recommend not getting too locked in on price alone—use the PTC as a guide to compare prices, but also consider the other perks a supplier might offer and weigh out all your options. Consider factors like reliable customer service, rewards programs and plan types that could be a better fit for you before making your decision just on price. 

Knowing your Price to Compare (PTC) in Pennsylvania empowers you to make informed decisions when shopping for electricity suppliers because it gives you a clear benchmark—allowing you to quickly identify whether a supplier’s rate is higher or lower than what your utility offers. And if you’re a new homeowner setting up service for the first time, the PTC is a great place to start. 

Keep in mind that it’s also important to understand that while the PTC reflects your utility’s standard offer, it might not necessarily be the best option available. Many suppliers offer plans with fixed rates, renewable energy options, or promotional incentives that the utility doesn’t offer. 

As a frame of reference, as of June 1st, 2025, PECO’s Price to Compare (one of Pennsylvania’s most widely used utilities) stands at $0.10400 cents per kilowatt-hour.  

Average Electricity Costs in PA  

Before you can decide whether the Price to Compare works in your favor, it helps to understand how much electricity typically costs in Pennsylvania, especially if you’re moving here for the first time! According to the E.I.A, as of March 2025, the average residential electricity rate in Pennsylvania is 18.43 cents per kilowatt-hour, slightly above the national average of 17.11 ¢/kWh. 

To help visualize what that means, here’s a hypothetical example using a common monthly household usage of electricity at 854 kWh: 

• Pennsylvania: 854 kWh × $0.184 = $157.14/month 

• National Average: 854 kWh × $0.1711 = $146.23/month 

Based on the same usage, Pennsylvania residents pay about $11 more per month than the national average. 

Knowing the average electricity cost in Pennsylvania gives you important context. The Price to Compare is the default rate set by your utility for electricity supply. If you’re paying more than this rate with your current supplier—or even if you’re paying less—it helps to know how it stacks up against state and national averages. 

How Do PA Electricity Prices Compare Nationally?  

We’ve seen from the above that the average electricity rate in PA is slightly higher than that of the national average. But what could be causing this? As energy experts, we know there are a few key reasons why electricity rates in PA are higher: 

• Utilities in PA pay to reserve enough energy supply to meet demand, especially during peak usage times. These capacity costs are passed on to customers and have risen by about 10% since January 2025, contributing to higher electricity rates. 

• Pennsylvania relies on a mix of coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables. Fluctuating fuel costs and infrastructure upgrades tied to this mix can push rates higher. 

• Many PA utilities are investing in modernizing the power grid, which improves reliability but also raises delivery and supply costs in the short term. 

If you’re a Pennsylvania homeowner, you’re likely paying above the national average for electricity—even if your usage is average. We believe that’s why knowing the Price to Compare is so important because it helps you compare your current costs with offers from other electricity suppliers that might offer a more competitive rate or plan benefits. 

What Are the Electricity Rates in Pennsylvania? 

The Price to Compare (PTC) isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. Each utility in Pennsylvania sets its own PTC, which reflects the rate (per kilowatt-hour) they charge customers for electricity supply if no alternative supplier is chosen. Here’s what you can expect for the Pennsylvania Price to Compare for electricity as of June 1st, 2025: 

Based on our experience, these rates are reviewed and updated periodically, but many electricity utilities in Pennsylvania only update their rates twice a year and can fluctuate significantly based on energy market conditions.  

If you receive your electricity from your main utility, reviewing your rate around the times PTCs are updated (usually in June and again in December) can help you stay one step ahead of unexpected bill increases. 

Since the Price to Compare is your benchmark, rising PTCs can signal an opportunity to lock in a better rate with a competitive supplier. On the other hand, if your utility’s PTC is lower than average, it may be worth sticking with it—at least for now. 

PECO Price to Compare 

PECO Energy is the largest electric and natural gas utility in Pennsylvania, serving over 1.6 million electric customers in southeastern PA—including Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Like other utilities in the state, PECO updates its Price to Compare (PTC) regularly to reflect changes in the wholesale energy market. 

As of June 1, 2025, PECO’s residential PTC is 10.40¢ per kilowatt-hour, up from 9.239¢ in the previous quarter. This rate will remain in effect through November 30, 2025. 

The PTC only applies to customers who are on PECO’s default service and haven’t selected a competitive electricity supplier. However, customers on variable-rate plans or default service can be significantly affected by these increases, making it essential to explore fixed-rate or alternative plans for more predictable billing. 

PPL Price to Compare 

PPL Electric Utilities serves more than 1.4 million customers across central and eastern Pennsylvania. As part of Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market, PPL updates its Price to Compare (PTC) twice a year to reflect changes in energy procurement costs. 

As of June 1, 2025, PPL’s residential Price to Compare has increased to 12.49¢ per kilowatt-hour, up from 10.77¢ earlier in the year. This updated rate will remain in effect through November 30, 2025. 

The PTC only applies to customers on default service—and while it provides a useful benchmark, staying on it can become costly, especially for those on variable-rate plans. 

Duquesne Light Price to Compare 

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) serves over 600,000 electric customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties, including the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. As a utility in Pennsylvania’s deregulated market, Duquesne Light updates its Price to Compare (PTC) twice a year based on current electricity procurement costs. 

As of June 1, 2025, Duquesne Light’s residential Price to Compare is 12.43¢ per kilowatt-hour, up from 10.85¢ earlier in the year. This rate will remain in effect through November 30, 2025. 

The PTC applies only to customers who haven’t selected a competitive electricity supplier and remain on Duquesne’s default service. For those on variable-rate or default utility plans, these increases can significantly impact monthly bills.  

How Often Do Electricity Prices Change in Pennsylvania? 

In Pennsylvania, electricity prices—specifically the Price to Compare (PTC)—typically change twice a year, on June 1 and December 1. These updates are made by electric utilities and reflect changes in wholesale electricity market costs. This is because utilities buy electricity on the wholesale market, where prices are always shifting.  

To make sure customers pay a fair, market-based price, utilities update the PTC based on the latest costs from energy suppliers. 

These changes reflect factors like fuel costs (natural gas, coal, etc.), weather patterns that affect demand (e.g., hot summers or cold winters), market supply and demand, grid reliability, and infrastructure costs just to name a few. 

On the other side of the coin, energy suppliers can change rates every day, which might give you a better chance to lock in at a more competitive rate if you monitor energy suppliers regularly.  

The PTC applies only to customers who haven’t chosen a competitive electricity supplier and remain on the utility’s default service. However, if you’re on a fixed-rate plan with a supplier, your rate won’t change until your contract ends. 

But if you’re on a variable-rate plan, those rate changes can have a big impact. If you’re signed on to a variable-rate plan and the Price to Compare increases, so can your monthly bill, sometimes sharply.  

That’s why it’s important to stay aware of these rate changes, even if you haven’t actively chosen a plan, so you’re not caught off guard and can make a switch if it makes sense. 

How To Find the Best Electricity Rate in PA 

After narrowing down your energy needs, here’s how to confidently choose the right electricity plan: 

1. Research the Supplier’s Reputation 

Don’t skip this step and solely get lost in how much money you could save. If you can’t decide between which supplier or utility, the smartest thing you can do is check out their reputation. The worst thing that will happen is you choose an energy provider, pay your first bill, and realize they’re not all they cracked up to be. 

Be sure to check how long the supplier has been in business, read customer feedback, and look into their ratings with trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau or the PA Public Utility Commission to ensure they’re in good standings as an electricity supplier. A proven track record goes a long way. 

2. Review What Each Plan Offers 

Look beyond the rate. While saving money is ideal, we recommend taking the time to research each suppliers plans to ensure you’re choosing the one that fits your lifestyle and energy habits. Check what kind of plan it is (fixed, variable, or flat/Unlimited), how long the contract lasts, and whether there are additional fees or usage requirements to ensure you’re getting all the details. 

3. Look for Special Deals or Bonuses 

Some suppliers go the extra mile with perks that other utilities and suppliers just don’t offer. These perks can include rewards programs , sign-up offers or referral bonuses. These can sweeten the deal and offer added value beyond just the rate per kilowatt-hour. 

4. Pick Your Plan and Enroll 

Once you’ve found a supplier and plan that checks all the boxes, go ahead and sign up. Most enrollments are quick and done online in a few simple steps. Most switches happen behind the scenes, so there’s no service disruption—just a smarter energy plan working for you. 

To dive deeper into choosing the perfect plan, visit our blog for more, here. 

How To Compare Electricity Rates in PA Using the Price to Compare 

Comparing electricity rates in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it like shopping for a phone plan—you just need to know what to look for. Start by checking your Price to Compare from your local utility. This can give you a starting benchmark for what rate you should be paying monthly. 

Instead of Googling something like, “electricity companies near me”, try going to a trusted site like PAPowerSwitch.com to get your feet wet exploring electricity suppliers in your area and what they have to offer.  

While sites like PAPower Switch can be a helpful starting point to see your options, we recommend gather a list of your top electricity suppliers and jumping into their website directly to learn more about what they offer since comparison sites don’t give you that big of a picture.  

When you’re compared, all that’s left to do is make your switch! 

What Electricity Plans Are Available in PA?  

Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market gives you the freedom to choose a plan that fits your budget, values, and lifestyle from an electricity supplier. According to our energy experts, here are the most common types of electricity plans available in Pennsylvania: 

Fixed-Rate Plans 

Fixed-rate electricity plans are built to lock in your electricity rate for a set contact term—usually 6, 12, or 24 months—providing consistency and protection from market spikes, especially during the summer when electricity prices tend to get volatile. They’re great for homeowners who want peace of mind over fluctuating energy costs. 

Variable-Rate Plans 

With these plans, your rate changes month-to-month based on the wholesale market. While you might save during off-peak seasons, you risk higher bills during extreme weather or demand surges since your monthly rate fluctuates with market conditions. While we don’t recommend a variable-rate electricity plan, if you’re the type of person who watches the energy market closely, this plan might work in your favor. 

Unlimited Energy Plans 

Often referred to as Flat-Fee plans, Unlimited Energy plans offer the benefits of a stable monthly supply charge no matter how much electricity you use.* This plan makes for a more predictable monthly electricity bill and eliminate seasonal bill shocks on the supply portion of your bill.  

Earth-Friendly Electricity Plans 

Perfect for eco-conscious households, Earth-Friendly Electricity plans help to support the continued use of renewables. Specifically, with a Santanna Earth-Friendly electricity plan, 100% of your usage is matched with renewable energy credits that provide the opportunity to help the environment remain carbon neutral! 

What’s the Difference Between a Supplier and a Utility? 

In Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market, it’s important to know that your utility and your electricity supplier play different roles. Your utility company is responsible for delivering electricity to your home, maintaining power lines, and responding to outages—this part of your service doesn’t change, no matter which supplier you choose. 

Your supplier, on the other hand (someone like Santanna, that’s us), is the company that provides the actual electricity you use. When you choose a supplier, you select the rate you pay for your electricity supply. The billing and delivery of your energy still comes from your utility.  

Choosing a supplier simply gives you more options beyond the default utility, including different plans, incentives, and perks your utility might not offer. Learn more about the difference between an energy supplier and a utility company here. 

Why Choose a Supplier vs. The Utility? 

If you’ve made it this far, you already know that Pennsylvania’s Price to Compare is just the starting point in your energy decision. While staying with your utility’s default service may seem like the easiest choice, it’s not always the best option. 

Here’s why choosing a competitive supplier can often be a better move: 

1. More Competitive Rates: Utilities don’t shop around for the lowest price—they procure electricity on a set schedule and simply pass the cost to you. Suppliers, on the other hand, operate in a competitive market and sometimes offer lower rates than your utility’s PTC. 
2. Fixed-Rate Protection: With a supplier, you can choose a fixed-rate plan that protects you from the price hikes utilities roll out every 6 months. This gives you more stability in your rate and peace of mind. 
3. Flexible Plans That Fit Your Life: Suppliers offer a variety of plans tailored to different needs—whether you want renewable energy options or a flat-fee/Unlimited plan that simplifies your billing. 
4. Exclusive Perks & Incentives: From rewards programs to special discounts, competitive suppliers often include extras that default utility plans don’t offer at all.

At Santanna Energy Services, we make it easy to choose a plan that works for your lifestyle—not just your utility’s timeline. Whether you’re looking to lock in a great fixed rate, simplify your monthly bill, or make a more sustainable choice, we have a solution for you. Explore Your Energy Solutions here and see how we can help you take charge of your electricity costs—your way. 

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Price to Compare (PTC) isn’t just about numbers—it’s about knowing how to take control of your energy choices. With utility rates fluctuating and costs trending upward across the state, staying informed allows you to make smarter decisions, avoid unnecessary surprises, and potentially save money  

But if you’d rather skip the guesswork and supply changes altogether… 

Santanna’s Unlimited Energy Plan, you get one flat supply charge—no matter how much energy you use.* That means no spikes, no surprises—just predictable pricing and simple budgeting through every season.  Ready to protect your energy costs and stay stress-free all year long? Explore the Unlimited Energy Plan today and make rate hikes in your supply charge a thing of the past. 

* 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.