Wiktor Wise
Consumers in Pennsylvania have the freedom to shop around and change their electric suppliers whenever they want. This is due to Pennsylvania having a deregulated utility market. However, switching electricity suppliers can be a confusing process, and there are many factors to consider, such as kilowatt-hour price, billing cycles, early termination fees, and more. It is important to review your current contract and research potential new suppliers to avoid unexpected penalties. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's shopping tool can help you compare electric supplier prices and find a great deal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Switching process | Contact the new supplier, review the contract, and sign up |
| Contract review | Check for early termination fees and other stipulations |
| Historical pricing data | Suppliers must provide up to two years of data upon request for variable rates |
| Taxes | All applicable taxes are included in the presented price |
| Power outages and emergencies | Consumers can contact their local utility provider |
| Comparison tools | The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's shopping tool allows for price comparison |
| Third-party suppliers | Some third-party suppliers only handle billing and don't provide the service |
| Timeframe | Switching can take 11-40 days |
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What You'll Learn
Research different suppliers and compare prices
In Pennsylvania, consumers can shop around and change their electricity suppliers at will. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's (PUC) shopping tool makes it easy to compare electric supplier prices. You can enter your zip code to instantly compare electricity plans for your home.
When researching different suppliers, it is important to review your current contract stipulations, as some suppliers charge significant penalties for early cancellation. You should also be aware of historical pricing data, as Pennsylvania regulations require suppliers to provide up to two years of this information upon a customer's request if they are offering a variable price.
When comparing suppliers, you should consider the following:
- Fixed or variable rates
- Billing cycle and rate changes
- Kilowatt-hour price
- Introductory prices and term lengths
- Deposit terms and contractual obligations
- Power discounts, special bonuses, and cashback programs
- Early termination fees and other stipulations
- Name of the company, phone number, and website
- Distribution charges
You can also use websites like PA Energy Ratings to compare electricity and natural gas plans and providers within the same site. This can save you time and money when shopping around for a new supplier.
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Review your current contract for early termination fees
If you are considering switching electricity suppliers, it is important to review your current contract for early termination fees. Early termination fees are fees charged by electricity suppliers when a customer ends their contract before the agreed-upon end date. These fees can vary depending on the supplier and the specific contract, so it is crucial to carefully read through your contract's terms and conditions to understand the potential financial penalties involved in early termination.
In Pennsylvania, electricity suppliers are required to provide customers with an Electric Supplier Contract Summary (ESCS) or a mandatory disclosure statement. This document outlines the key terms and conditions of the power plan, including any early termination fees. It is usually a concise, easy-to-understand page that details the electricity rates per kWh, basic fees, early termination penalties, and other relevant information. This summary can help you easily identify any potential early termination fees associated with your current contract.
It is worth noting that early termination fees can vary in structure. Some suppliers may charge a flat rate, regardless of how much time is left on the contract. Others may charge a monthly rate based on the number of months remaining in the contract. These fees can range from $50 to $250 on average, depending on the power plan and the type of consumer, as commercial customers typically face higher early termination fees. Therefore, it is essential to understand the specific early termination fee structure outlined in your contract.
Reviewing your current contract for early termination fees is a crucial step before making any decisions to switch suppliers. By understanding the potential financial implications, you can make an informed choice and avoid unexpected costs. Remember that switching electricity suppliers in Pennsylvania is generally a simple process, but finding a great deal on a new provider might be more challenging. Always research and compare different suppliers' offers and promotions to make an educated decision.
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Contact your current supplier to understand penalties
When considering switching electricity suppliers in Pennsylvania, it is important to understand any potential penalties for early cancellation that may be stipulated in your current contract. To do this, start by reviewing your agreement with your current supplier. You can refer to your disclosure and contract summary, which should outline the price you agreed to pay when you enrolled with your supplier.
If you are unsure about any potential penalties or cannot find your contract, contact your current supplier. Their phone number should be listed on your bill. Ask them about the financial consequences of cancelling your plan early and any other relevant information regarding early termination.
Pennsylvania regulations require suppliers to provide up to two years of historical pricing data upon a customer's request if the supplier is offering a variable price. This can give you insight into potential penalties and help you make an informed decision. Additionally, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) has directed electricity suppliers to disclose the most relevant stipulations of their plans, including early termination penalties, in the form of Electric Supplier Contract Summary statements (ESCS).
By understanding the penalties for early cancellation, you can make a more informed decision about switching suppliers and avoid unexpected fees. Remember, switching electricity suppliers in Pennsylvania can take anywhere from 11 to 40 days to take effect, so it's important to carefully consider the timing and potential costs involved.
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Sign up with a new supplier online or by phone
If you live in Pennsylvania, you can switch electricity suppliers at any time. Before you sign up with a new supplier, it is important to review your current agreement to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation. If you are unsure, contact your current supplier – their phone number will be on your bill.
Once you have checked for any potential cancellation fees, you are free to sign up with a new electric supplier. You can do this by calling them or signing up on their website. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's shopping tool makes it easy to compare electric supplier prices. You can also use a site like PA Energy Ratings to compare electricity and natural gas plans and providers.
When you have chosen a new supplier, they will contact your old supplier and handle the changeover. They will then send you a written disclosure statement explaining your terms and conditions, and they will contact you by mail to confirm your choice.
Remember, switching electricity suppliers in Pennsylvania is simple, but finding a great deal on a new provider can be more difficult and confusing. It is important to research switching suppliers thoroughly before making a decision.
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Your new supplier will handle the switch and confirm by mail
Once you've found a new electric supplier that suits your needs, you can go ahead and sign up by calling them or via their website. Before you do so, however, make sure you review your current contract to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation. If you're unsure, call your current supplier.
After you've signed up with your new supplier, they will handle the switch for you. They will contact your old supplier and manage the changeover. You don't need to do anything else. Your new supplier will then send you a written confirmation of your choice by mail. This will include a disclosure statement explaining your terms and conditions.
The switch can take anywhere from 11 to 40 days to take effect, depending on the last meter read date. During this time, you should be aware of any contract stipulations such as early termination fees, as suppliers can generally cancel at any time without penalty, whereas customers often face penalties for early cancellation.
It's worth noting that, despite the switch, you can still contact your local utility provider during power outages, emergencies, and repair situations.
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Frequently asked questions
You can shop for new offers and promotions and sign up for a new service with a new supplier by calling them or signing up on their website.
Review your agreement with your current supplier to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation.
Your new supplier will contact your old supplier to handle the changeover and will then confirm your choice with you by mail.
No, during power outages, emergencies, and repair situations, you can still contact your local utility provider even if you've switched.
Switching providers can take anywhere from 11 to 40 days to take effect, depending on the last meter read date.
