Beatrice Lang
PPL Electric Utilities is an energy company that serves customers in central and eastern Pennsylvania. The company offers a default rate, also known as the price to compare, which is updated biannually on June 1st and December 1st. Customers who do not choose an electricity supplier pay this standard offer rate. PPL customers can also shop for rates from competitive third-party electric suppliers, allowing them to potentially find cheaper rates and secure fixed rates for longer periods. Various strategies, such as energy efficiency measures and comparing rates online, can help PPL customers reduce their electric bills and find the best plans for their needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Service Region | Lancaster, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, Allentown, Berwick and many other cities in eastern Pennsylvania |
| Customer Count | 1.4-1.5 million |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating | Top-ranked eastern utility for the tenth consecutive year in J.D. Power's 2021 utility residential customer satisfaction study |
| Price to Compare for Residential Customers | $0.12490 per kWh |
| Price to Compare for Business Customers | $0.12114 per kWh |
| Lowest Electricity Rate | 8.49¢ ($0.0849) per kWh |
| Default Rate Changes | Every couple of months |
| Third-Party Supplier Rate Lock-In Period | Up to 48 months |
| Budget Billing | Available |
| Online Power Outage Tool | Available |
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What You'll Learn
- PPL's standard rate, also known as the 'price to compare'
- Customers can shop for better rates from third-party suppliers
- PPL offers budget billing to average out annual electricity costs
- Energy-efficient habits can help reduce monthly expenses
- PPL's service area includes cities in central and eastern Pennsylvania
PPL's standard rate, also known as the 'price to compare'
PPL Electric Utilities is the utility company for customers in central and eastern Pennsylvania, covering cities such as Lancaster, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, Allentown, Berwick, and Scranton. PPL's standard rate, also known as the price to compare, is the rate customers pay if they don't choose an electricity supplier or secure a plan with a third-party electric provider. In other words, it is the default rate for customers who do not shop around for a cheaper rate or switch to a third-party supplier.
The price to compare is updated on June 1st and December 1st each year and is typically higher than the rates offered by third-party suppliers. For example, as of June 1st, 2025, the PPL price to compare for residential customers was $0.12490 per kWh, while the lowest PPL electricity rate available from third-party suppliers was 8.49¢ ($0.0849) per kWh, over 20% lower.
By shopping around for better rates and switching to a third-party supplier, PPL customers can often find cheaper rates and take advantage of various other perks. For example, third-party suppliers may offer fixed rates for up to 48 months, providing budget certainty, and some suppliers offer 100% green energy options. Additionally, PPL offers several rebate and energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce their monthly bills.
However, it is important to note that not all third-party suppliers serve all areas, and customers should be cautious when choosing a supplier, as some may have poor customer service reputations. To find the best rates and suppliers in their area, PPL customers can use online comparison tools, such as EnergyPricing.com, which pre-screens suppliers and plans to bring customers the best options.
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Customers can shop for better rates from third-party suppliers
PPL Electric Utilities is the utility company for residents in various cities in eastern Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, Allentown, and Berwick. The company offers its customers the PPL default rate, also known as the price to compare. However, customers are not restricted to this rate and can shop for rates from competitive electric suppliers.
Pennsylvania was the first state to deregulate energy delivery, creating a competitive marketplace for electricity suppliers in the mid-1990s. This deregulation gives Pennsylvania residents two options for purchasing electricity: directly from a utility provider or through an alternative supplier. Similarly, Connecticut also deregulated its electric market two decades ago, allowing its residents to shop around for better supplier rates.
Customers can benefit from shopping for rates from third-party suppliers in several ways. Firstly, third-party suppliers often offer more competitive rates than the standard rates offered by major utilities. For example, in Connecticut, some third-party suppliers offered rates that were roughly half of those offered by major utilities like Eversource and United Illuminating. Secondly, customers can avoid the "loyalty penalty" by switching suppliers. In some markets, longstanding customers of certain suppliers may end up paying much more than new customers for the same services due to successive price rises or "price walking." Finally, some third-party suppliers may offer more flexible terms, such as the option to get out of a contract whenever desired.
However, it is important for customers to be cautious when considering third-party suppliers. In some cases, third-party supplier rates could be higher, and customers should be aware of adjustable rates and long-term contracts. Customers should also read the fine print and understand the terms of the agreements, as rates can change periodically. Additionally, people who receive state assistance with their electric bills may not be eligible to switch to a third-party supplier under certain state laws.
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PPL offers budget billing to average out annual electricity costs
PPL Electric Utilities is an energy company that serves residents in eastern and central Pennsylvania, including those in Lancaster, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, Allentown, and Berwick. The company offers a default rate, also known as the "price to compare," which is updated bi-annually on June 1st and December 1st. This rate is available to customers who do not choose an alternative electricity supplier.
PPL also offers budget billing, which averages out a customer's annual electricity costs over the year. This service ensures that customers are not burdened with unexpectedly high bills during peak usage times. Budget billing is mandated by the PAPUC for all public utilities in Pennsylvania.
In addition to budget billing, PPL provides customers with tools to better understand their energy usage and rates. For instance, customers can track 24 months of their electric usage on their monthly bill or by logging into their PPL account. PPL also encourages customers to adopt more renewable energy solutions and has launched bill payment programs to assist those facing financial difficulties.
While PPL offers a default rate, customers can also shop for rates from competitive electric suppliers. By switching to a third-party supplier, customers can secure a fixed electricity rate for an extended period. Additionally, customers can explore energy-efficient habits and solutions, such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use, sealing air leaks, and investing in energy-efficient appliances, to further reduce their electricity bills.
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Energy-efficient habits can help reduce monthly expenses
PPL Electric Utilities is the utility company for residents in eastern and central Pennsylvania, including cities like Lancaster, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, and Allentown. If you are a PPL customer, you can choose to pay the default rate, also known as the "price to compare," or shop for rates from a competitive electric supplier. The price to compare is updated on June 1st and December 1st each year, and it is the rate you pay if you don't choose another electricity supplier.
- Adjust your water usage: According to the Energy Department, hot water is the second-largest expense in most homes. Reducing hot water usage in the shower, laundry, and dishwasher can significantly impact your energy and water bills. Opt for shorter showers, and consider installing a low-flow showerhead, which can reduce household water usage by 2,700 gallons per year. Stick to warm or cold water for laundry, as modern detergents are designed to work effectively at these temperatures.
- Reduce "always-on" appliances: Many electronics continue to draw power even when not in use, contributing to "vampire loads." Unplug devices you don't regularly use, and consider using power strips that can be switched off when not in use. If you have a smart meter, monitor your hourly consumption, and look for unexpected spikes, which may indicate high background energy usage.
- Improve energy efficiency: Conduct an energy audit to identify areas for improvement. This can include air leaks, insufficient insulation, and inefficient appliances. Replacing older appliances with energy-efficient alternatives can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. Additionally, simple tweaks like adjusting your thermostat, fridge, and freezer temperatures can make a difference.
- Maintain your appliances: Regular maintenance ensures your appliances run efficiently. For example, changing the air filters in your air conditioner or furnace every 60 to 90 days can improve efficiency and reduce dust in your home.
- Shift power usage to off-peak times: Many utilities introduce programs that encourage customers to use electricity during off-peak hours, offering rebates or reduced rates. If you have a flexible schedule, you can take advantage of these programs by running appliances like dishwashers later in the evening.
By adopting these energy-efficient habits and staying informed about your energy plan options, you can effectively reduce your monthly expenses and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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PPL's service area includes cities in central and eastern Pennsylvania
PPL Electric Utilities is a utility company that serves residents of central and eastern Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1920 as Pennsylvania Power & Light, the result of a merger between eight smaller utility companies based in Pennsylvania. Over time, PPL extended its service area to cover a crescent-shaped region in the state, including cities in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
The central Pennsylvania cities that fall within PPL's service area include Lancaster, Harrisburg, and, according to one source, Bethlehem. In eastern Pennsylvania, PPL serves cities in the Lehigh Valley region, including Allentown and Bethlehem, as well as Scranton and Wilkes-Barre in northeastern Pennsylvania.
PPL Electric Utilities is part of the Pennsylvania electricity choice program, which was established after the state deregulated energy delivery in the mid-1990s. This deregulation created a competitive marketplace for electricity suppliers, giving Pennsylvania residents two options for purchasing electricity: directly from a utility provider or through an alternative supplier.
The rate customers pay for electricity depends on their supplier. If a customer does not choose a supplier, they will pay the PPL default rate, also known as the price to compare, which is updated on June 1st and December 1st each year. Customers can also shop for rates from competitive electric suppliers.
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Frequently asked questions
The PPL standard offer rate, also known as the price to compare (PTC), is the default rate customers pay if they don't choose a plan with a third-party electric provider.
The PPL default rate changes every couple of months.
The PPL PTC is updated on June 1st and December 1st each year. You can find the current rate online.
To switch to a third-party supplier, you'll need your current bill, your PPL account number, and the current PPL PTC and expiration date. You can then compare rates offered by third-party suppliers and sign up for a plan that suits your needs.
By switching to a third-party supplier, you may enjoy cheaper rates, budget certainty, and access to 100% green energy options. Additionally, PPL will still be in charge of delivering your electricity, so you won't experience any disruption to your service.
