Home and business owners in Scranton, PA can shop for an alternate energy supplier and lower the supply rate on the electric bill. Scranton electricity rates have been pushed down since Pennsylvania deregulated the electricity market back in 1996. Allowing energy suppliers to compete for your business equals greater energy savings for Scranton residents. Thanks to energy deregulation, utility companies no longer have a monopoly over the generation and transmission of energy. Choosing an alternative electric supplier for the generation or supply charges can save you an additional 10-30%.
The city of Scranton has a population of over 75,000 and is located 125 just northwest of Philadelphia. The city sits alongside the Lackawanna River. Given its geographical location, Scranton receives an average snowfall of 41 inches per year. The cold winters can push up the demand for energy supply. Customers with a fixed-rate plan will be protected from these higher prices.
Scranton Utility Companies
Scranton is located in the Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) utility service area. If you are planning on moving to Scranton, then you will need to set up an electric account with PPL. PPL is responsible for maintaining and managing the power lines that deliver the electricity from the utility company to the point of service, whether it’s a home or business. This cost represents the delivery charge and is the regulated section of the electric bill. A PPL customer can’t change utility companies for the delivery services.
Scranton 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 within its service area.
- Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) Customer Contact Number: 1-800-342-5775
Scranton Price to Compare
Along with delivering power, PPL is responsible for providing customers a default rate for supply services to those who do not switch over to a competing energy supplier. The default rate is referred to as the price to compare. The price to compare rate is often not competitive as the utility company does not have a financial incentive to keep customers. This rate can be used while shopping for energy plans. If an energy supplier is offering a rate lower than the price to compare, then the customer will be saving money by switching to the new plan.
Scranton Energy Deregulation
In 1996, Pennsylvania introduced the Electricity Generation Choice and Competition Act, opening the door to competition and the restructuring of the energy market. Before energy deregulation, a customer had no control over the costs of their electric bill. Energy choice has given more powers to the consumers allowing them to choose an energy plan that meets their needs.
Understanding the Electric Bill
The electric bill is composed of two main sections that include the delivery and supply charges. Most deregulated markets operate under single billing. This means when a customer changes energy supplier, they will still receive one electric bill from the utility company that incorporates both the delivery and supply charges.
- Delivery Charge – The delivery charge is the deregulated section of the electric bill. This is the cost to deliver the power to the customer. This charge is overseen by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC). A customer will not be able to change utility companies for the delivery charge.
- Supply Charge – The supply charge is the deregulated section of the electric bill. This is the cost of generating the power the customer is estimated to use during the term of the agreement. A customer can change energy providers and lower the supply rate on the electric bill.
Choosing an Electric Supplier
Energy suppliers that provide supply services in the state are required to be licensed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC). A list of licensed energy suppliers can be found on PAPUC’s website.
With so many energy suppliers to choose from how do you know which energy provider is right for you? Energy plans can vary depending on the source of power generation and also the product type, fixed or variable. The energy plan that is right for you will depend on these two factors. If you’re conservative, then locking in a long-term fixed-rate will give you price security. If you’re looking for a 100% renewable energy plan, then you may end up paying a high premium. Plans that generate energy from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar tend to be more expensive than conventional methods. These costs are passed down to the consumer in the form of higher rates.
Many platforms exist that compare energy suppliers. Our website, ElectricRateSelect.com, works with the top energy suppliers who built a reputation on competitive rates and quality service. Our energy advisors have been in the energy industry for over 10 years and will be happy to help you pick the right energy plan based on your specifications. Feel free to reach out to us today!
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