Residents living in Harrisburg, PA have the option to switch energy suppliers and save money on their electric bills. Harrisburg electricity rates have seen a downward trend since Pennsylvania deregulated the electricity market back in 1996. This isn’t a surprise since opening up the energy market increases the number of energy suppliers, which in turn leads to lower prices. A customer that decides not to switch to an alternate electric supplier will be put on a default rate with the local utility company. The default rate is often not competitive since the utility company does not have a financial incentive to keep customers on this service.
The city of Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and has a population of just under 50,000 which has remained relatively steady over the past 10 years. The city is located off the Susquehanna River and sits 100 miles west of Philadelphia.
Harrisburg Utility Companies
If you’re moving to Harrisburg, then you will need to set up the electricity account with Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL). PPL is the utility company in the city that is responsible for maintaining and managing the power lines that deliver electricity to homes and businesses in its service area. The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill and is overseen by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. A resident living in the PPL service area will not be able to switch to another utility company for delivery services.
Harrisburg Power Outages
If you change electric suppliers and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact the utility company. PPL is responsible for fixing all power outages that occur in its service area. Thanks to investments and 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
Harrisburg Price to Compare
Along with maintaining the power lines, the utility company is also required to provide a default rate for supply services to customers that decide not to switch to an alternate electric supplier. The default rate is commonly referred to as the price to compare. The default rate changes twice per year and is often not competitive. Harrisburg residents shopping for a competing energy supplier can use the price to compare to determine their savings. If an electric supplier is offering a supply rate that is lower than the price to compare, then the customer will be saving money by switching.
Harrisburg Renewable Energy
Pennsylvania has implemented a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which requires a percentage of electricity sold within the state to be generated from renewable energy sources. This percentage is expected to increase in the coming years. This has forced energy suppliers to invest in renewable energy plans to meet the requirements.
This is good news for those looking to cut down on their carbon footprint. More energy suppliers are offering 100% renewable energy plans that generate electricity from sources that are considered to be more environmentally friendly. Starion Energy, Tomorrow Energy, and Direct Energy are just a few well-known suppliers that offer renewable energy plans to their customers.
Selecting an Energy Supplier
Harrisburg residents should take advantage of living in a deregulated electricity market and shop for a lower supply rate. Lowering the supply rate can save you 10-30% off the electric bill. The supply rate represents the deregulated section of the electric bill and is the cost of generating power the customer is estimated to use during the contract period.
Energy suppliers that provide services in the state must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC). A list of qualified energy suppliers can be found on PAPUC’s website. Several platforms can help you compare energy suppliers. Our website, ElectricRateSelect.com, works with many reputable providers that are known for competitive rates and quality service. Speak to one of our energy advisors today and we will be happy to help you choose the right energy plan based on your needs.
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