As electric prices rise, PUC offers tips to help take control of summer bill

Yahoo

6 days ago

Jun. 2—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week reminded consumers about changes in electric generation prices — known as the Price to Compare (PTC) — for residential and small business customers across Pennsylvania.
These new PTCs took effect on June 1, reflecting wholesale energy market conditions and seasonal shifts in electricity demand.
The PTC is the price that utilities charge non-shopping customers for electric generation supply. This supply is procured in accordance with Commission-approved plans, but the generation portion of the electric bill is not directly set by the PUC and instead is driven by market factors.
"While energy prices are rising, the biggest driver of your monthly bill is how much electricity you use — and in the summer, usage tends to go up with the heat," said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. "By planning now and paying closer attention to your daily usage, you can avoid surprises when your bill arrives. A few simple adjustments in how and when you use electricity can make a noticeable difference."
Typical residential PTC increases among major utilities range between 5% and 16%, although some smaller utilities serving portions of northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania will see larger increases.
These changes only affect customers who receive default service from their utility. Customers with competitive supplier contracts will continue paying the price in their agreement — but should remain aware of broader market conditions when evaluating future supply options.
Recent increases in natural gas prices, along with higher capacity costs — payments made to ensure power availability during peak demand — are contributing to rising electricity generation prices.
However, usage habits — influenced by weather, appliance efficiency and consumer behavior — remain the most direct way individuals can control their monthly costs.
Shopping smart: Understand before you sign
The PUC reminds consumers that while some competitive suppliers are offering rates below the PTC, these offers are typically short-term contracts lasting only three to six months. While they may provide savings over the summer, they require active management.
"Short-term supply contracts can offer a quick benefit, but they also demand close attention," DeFrank said. "You must monitor your contract's end date, watch for renewal notices, and be ready to act — otherwise, you risk defaulting to a month-to-month variable rate with unpredictable pricing."
Consumers are urged to use the Commission's official electric shopping tool at www.PAPowerSwitch.com to compare supplier offers, review important contract terms, and learn more about energy conservation.
Protecting yourself from misleading energy marketing
With the summer season comes a surge in door-to-door and in-person energy sales activity. The PUC reminds consumers to remain vigilant and follow five simple steps to safeguard against deceptive marketing:
—#CheckForID — Sales agents must wear a visible photo ID badge with the supplier name and a customer service number.
—Know who you're talking to — Agents must clearly identify themselves and their supplier at the start of every interaction.
—No false claims — Agents are prohibited from claiming to represent your local utility, the PUC or a government agency.
—Avoid pressure tactics — You have the right to say no, end the conversation and request no further visits.
—Use trusted tools — Visit PAPowerSwitch.com for verified supplier offers, shopping guidance and energy-saving tips.
DHS highlights proposal to expand Pennsylvania's child care workforce
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh this week discussed Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal, which builds on efforts to make child care more affordable and expand and strengthen the child care workforce.
"For our youngest Pennsylvanians, an early childhood education experience can shape their educational, social, and emotional development during their youngest years, providing a foundation that will reap benefits throughout their lives," Arkoosh said. "A thriving child care industry both supports this growth and allows parents to work and participate in our economy."
Early learning and child care programs are an invaluable resource that foster educational and social development for our youngest Pennsylvanians.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, access to early childhood education improves performance in K-12 schooling, lowers health care costs and improves employment and earning prospects into adulthood. Child care programs also allow parents to work knowing their children are safe and cared for.
The CDC also cites child care as a factor for increased parental employment and income, making this industry an essential cornerstone for a healthy, vibrant economy.
Pennsylvania's child care system serves more than 300,000 children annually across the Commonwealth, including approximately 80,000 children who receive subsidies through the Child Care Works (CCW) Program, Pennsylvania's state and federally-funded child care program that helps low-income families pay their child care fees.
However, providers are struggling to hire and retain staff. Pennsylvania estimates about 3,000 unfilled jobs in child care — if those jobs are filled, 25,000 more children in Pennsylvania could have access to child care and their parents would have the peace of mind that their kids are well taken care of so they can go to work.
Child care centers also report increasing difficulty in filling positions due to low wages, and many are forced to close classrooms or limit enrollment. Without a competitive wage, it remains difficult to attract and retain qualified early child care educators.
Learn about Child Care Works and find information on certified child care providers at www.findchildcare.pa.gov.
Officials: Invest in public transit
Shapiro and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll this week joined transit leaders, local officials, and bus operators to highlight the importance of investing in mass transit to connect communities across the Commonwealth, create jobs and grow Pennsylvania's economy.
The governor continues to advocate for his 2025 — 26 budget proposal, which includes $292 million in new mass transit funding next year, growing to $1.5 billion over the next five years. This is the first significant increase in state support for mass transit in more than a decade, benefiting 52 transit systems that serve nearly one million riders each day in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the Commonwealth.
"Just like we repair and maintain the bridges in rural and suburban communities, we owe it to the Pennsylvanians who take mass transit to be there for them and their families too," Shapiro said. "Mass transit drives $5.4 billion in economic activity every year in Pennsylvania, and it enables businesses to affordably get their employees to offices and job site — it's well worth the investment in our budget."
The Governor's proposal would not raise taxes. Instead, it would increase the portion of the Sales and Use Tax dedicated to public transit — from 7.68% to 9.43% — generating $292 million in new annual funding next year and more than $330 million annually by 2029 — 30.
That investment will support transit systems across the Commonwealth.
"Pennsylvania's economic growth relies on our ability to build out a transportation network that puts our tradespeople to work, strengthens our businesses, and improves Pennsylvanians' lives," Carroll said. "Transit is critical — 65% of fixed-route riders say they have no other option. Shared ride powers our economy, supports seniors' quality of life, and connects Pennsylvanians to opportunity, no matter where they live."
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.