How to shop
Step 1: Compare supplier offers
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s PA PowerSwitch website is a great place to start. Simply visit www.papowerswitch.com.
The website lists suppliers making offers to residential customers. It lets you compare their offers to our price to compare. That’s the price you would pay us for generation and transmission if you don’t shop. The price to compare does not include distribution charges, which you will continue to receive from PPL Electric Utilities regardless of whether you switch. Distribution charges cover our local electric delivery costs.
The PA PowerSwitch website also provides business customers with a list of licensed suppliers and their contact information.
No Internet access? No problem. Simply call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380.
Step 2: Ask questions
Just as you would ask questions of cell phone providers when comparing service plans, make sure you understand the terms of any agreements you make with generation suppliers:
- How long is the agreement?
- Is the price fixed? If not, how will it vary?
- Are all taxes and charges included in the supplier’s price?
- Is there cancellation fee if I switch to another supplier?
- Will I receive one bill or two?
Step 3: Make the switch
Once you’re ready to make a switch, call the supplier or enroll online. The PA PowerSwitch website provides phone numbers and links to supplier websites. Once you sign up with a supplier, the supplier lets us know. We take care of the rest.
In most cases, you will get a combined bill from PPL Electric Utilities showing your generation supplier’s charges, as well as our charges for distribution. However, your supplier may offer other billing options.
Step 4: Track prices periodically to see if you’re still getting the best deal
Because of the way we buy power to comply with state law, our price to compare will change quarterly beginning June 1, 2011. Supplier prices may change more or less frequently depending upon their offers. In addition, new suppliers and offers may emerge.
Visiting www.papowerswitch.com can help you track these changes to make sure you’re getting the deal that’s best for you.