Electric and natural gas prices in PA to reset. What you need to know to shop around

Wenjing Ding, Bucks County Courier Times
Updated ·4 min read

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission issued a consumer alert on Nov. 15, letting customers know utility prices for electric and gas are to reset on Dec. 1.

And when consumers can shop and choose who supplies their electricity and natural gas, there could be savings to be had. There is also a program to help customers who are struggling with utlity bills.

What are the changes?

Electric – As we approach the winter heating season, electric distribution companies in Bucks County are set to implement adjustments in their Price to Compare (PTC) for residential customers. Here's a breakdown of the anticipated changes:

  • Citizens’ Electric: Estimated decrease from 13.333 cents to 10.964 cents per kWh (-18%)

  • Duquesne Light: Estimated decrease from 11.45 cents to 10.46 cents per kWh (-8.6%)

  • Met-Ed: Increase from 10.24 cents to 11.306 cents per kWh (10.4%)

  • PECO: Estimated decrease from 9.672 cents to 8.919 cents per kWh (-7.8%)

  • Penelec: Increase from 9.703 cents to 10.607 cents per kWh (9.3%)

  • Penn Power: Increase from 10.556 cents to 11.231 cents per kWh (6.4%)

  • Pike Co. Light & Power: Increase from 7.3005 cents to 8.67 cents per kWh (18.8%)

  • PPL: Decrease from 12.126 cents to 11.028 cents per kWh (-9%)

  • UGI Electric: Decrease from 12.128 cents to 10.26 cents per kWh (-15.4%)

  • Wellsboro Electric: Decrease from 12.393 cents to 9.206 cents per kWh (-25.7%)

  • West Penn Power: Increase from 9.929 cents to 10.001 cents per kWh (1%)

Natural Gas - This fall, several of Pennsylvania’s natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) have made adjustments to their Price to Compare (PTC) for non-shopping customers. Similar to the electric sector, the PTC constitutes a significant portion, averaging 40% to 60%, the PUC said. Changes in PTC for Residential Customers:

  • Columbia Gas of PA: Decrease from $0.46849 to $0.2881 per therm (-38.5%)

  • National Fuel Gas: Increase from $0.30959 to $0.3674 per Ccf (18.6%)

  • Peoples Natural Gas Co.: Increase from $1.2337 to $3.08 per Mcf (149%)

  • Peoples Gas Co. LLC: Increase from $1.2337 to $3.08 per Mcf (149%)

  • Valley Energy: Decrease from $0.94342 to $0.33758 per Ccf (-64.2%)

  • Changes in the prices to compare for PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works and UGI Utilities are anticipated on Dec. 1, but are not yet available, according to the PUC.

What you can do to prepare?

In many regions of Pennsylvania, including Bucks County, households benefit from the flexibility to choose their electricity and natural gas suppliers. This fenables residents to make decisions based on factors such as price or a preference for renewable energy.

To navigate the challenges posed by fluctuating electricity rates, residents can proactively manage their energy consumption and explore alternative sources. Here are various strategies to control usage and optimize energy efficiency, according to the PUC:

  • Pay attention to the thermostat: Adjusting the thermostat by just a degree can impact energy costs by up to 3%. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to automatically lower temperatures when you're away.

  • Furnace maintenance: Regular servicing and clean air filters ensure the efficient operation

  • Home insulation: Enhance insulation, install storm windows and doors, and seal cracks to keep your home warmer and use less energy.

  • Water heater adjustment: Water heaters rank as the second-highest source of energy usage in homes. Consider resetting the thermostat a few degrees lower to save money on energy bills.

How to apply for financial help?

Consumers can apply for financial aid for heating bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program offers a cash grant, ranging from $300 to $1,000, providing relief for heating expenses.

To apply for LIHEAP, visit COMPASS (compass.state.pa.us), the online platform for Pennsylvanians to determine eligibility or download, print, fill out, and return a paper application to your local county assistance office. Bucks County Assistance Office is at 1214 Veterans Highway, Bristol. Call 215-781-3393. Montgomery County Assistance Office, Norristown District, 1931 New Hope Street, Norristown. Call 610-272-1752

Once your application is reviewed, expect a written notice detailing eligibility and granted assistance within 30 days.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA utilities reset prices for winter; LIHEAP available