Bethlehem Electricity Rates

Contents

1 Bethlehem Electricity Rates
2 Bethlehem Utility Companies
3 Bethlehem Power Outages
4 Bethlehem Energy Deregulation
5 Understanding the Electric Bill
6 Selecting an Electric Supplier
7 Frequently Asked Questions
8 Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
9 Should I Choose a Fixed or Variable Rate?
10 Can I be Charged by Two Separate Electric Suppliers?
11 What Happens at the End of my Energy Plan?
12 View by City
13 Clean Energy
14 Electricity Rates

If you’re planning on moving to Bethlehem, then you should know you’ll have the freedom to choose your electric supplier and save money on the electric bill. Bethlehem electricity rates have greatly benefited since Pennsylvania deregulated the electricity market back in 1996. The passage of the Electricity Generation Choice and Competition Act allowed outside energy suppliers to now offer generation services to residents of Bethlehem. Before energy deregulation, the utility companies had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of power in their respective service areas. Energy choice has given more power to the customers as now they can select the best energy plan that is right for them.

The city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has a population of just over 75,000. Bethlehem is located on the east side of the state and sits 70 miles north of Philadelphia. The summers can be hot and humid while winters can bring cold temperatures. The city averages over 30 inches of snowfall per year. It’s not uncommon for energy demand to increase during the winter months.

Bethlehem Utility Companies

Bethlehem is located in the Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) utility service area. If you are moving to Bethlehem, then you will need to set up your electric service with PPL. PPL is responsible for maintaining and managing the power lines that deliver the electricity to their customers. This cost represents the delivery section of the electric bill and is a regulated charge. A resident living inside PPL’s service area cannot switch to another utility company for delivery services.

Bethlehem Power Outages

The utility company is responsible for resolving all power outages within its service area. If you recently changed electric suppliers and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact PPL. Thanks to advancements in technology, most power outages can be detected and diverted before they can occur.

Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) Customer Contact Number: 1-800-342-5775

Bethlehem Energy Deregulation

Pennsylvania has joined a growing number of states that are moving to deregulate their electricity markets. Deregulating the electricity market has allowed outside energy suppliers to now offer services to residents of Bethlehem. The utility company will still be responsible for delivering the power but now residents can choose the energy supplier that generates their power. Lowering the supply rate on the electric bill can save you 10-30%!

Understanding the Electric Bill

The two main charges that make up the electric bill are the delivery and supply charges.

Delivery Charge – The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill and is charged by the utility company. This charge is the cost of delivering the power from the local utility company to your home or business. This charge is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Supply Charge – The supply charge represents the deregulated section of the electric bill and is the cost of generating the power the customer is estimated to use during a period. Residents living in a deregulated electricity market can shop around for a competitive electric supplier and lower the supply rate on their bills.

Selecting an Electric Supplier

If you’re new to Bethlehem, then selecting a new energy supplier might seem overwhelming. Electric suppliers offer a variety of energy plans that are catered to individual needs. Knowing what you want is the first step in selecting the right energy plan. Some plans focus on the lowest rate possible while offering long-term security, while others are centered around 100% renewable energy. Below are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a new plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?

Most energy plans do have an early cancellation fee. This means if you change energy suppliers before the expiration of the term, then you will be charged an early cancellation fee. Cancellation fees can come in the form of a flat fee or a fixed fee multiplied by how many months are left in the agreement. Cancellation fees can cost up to $300 so make sure you’re not breaking your agreement before changing to a new supplier!

Should I Choose a Fixed or Variable Rate?

Fixed rates do not change during the term of the agreement. If you’re looking for price security, then you may want to consider a fixed rate. If the energy market increases, then you will be protected from higher prices. However, if the market drops, you may be stuck paying a higher rate. Most fixed-rate plans come with an early cancellation fee.

Variable rates fluctuate monthly. Most variable rates can change at the sole discretion of the energy supplier. If you decide to go with a variable rate, then it is a good idea to make sure the rate is tied to a commodity, such as natural gas. If natural gas prices drop, then your variable rate will drop accordingly. However, you are exposed to the volatility of the energy market. Most variable-rate plans are month-to-month allowing the customer to change energy suppliers without having to pay an early cancellation fee.

Can I be Charged by Two Separate Electric Suppliers?

When you change electric suppliers, it will not be possible to receive two separate electric bills for the same billing period. The new energy supplier will notify your local utility company (PPL). The utility company is responsible for overseeing the switch. Once the switch occurs, the old energy supplier will no longer have access to your energy usage.

What Happens at the End of my Energy Plan?

If you take no action at the expiration of your energy plan, then most energy suppliers will switch you to a month-to-month variable rate. Once this happens don’t be surprised to have the electric bill double or even triple in a single billing period. We strongly recommend shopping for a new plan a month before the expiration of your current plan.