Understanding Your Bill
Bill Explanation
PPL Electric Utilities only controls about half of your electric bill — covering the cost of delivering power to homes and businesses over distribution and transmission lines. The remaining half, which includes generation supply costs, regulatory mandates and taxes, is outside of our direct control.
We are committed to operating efficiently and controlling the costs that we can while still ensuring reliable service for you.
These examples show the breakdown of charges on an average residential electric bill.
Due Date and Amount Due
This shows the date your bill is due and the amount you owe.
Pay this amount before the due date to avoid late payment charges.
Delivery and Supply Charges
The delivery portion of your bill covers the cost to deliver power to your home or business.
The supply portion includes charges for the amount of electricity you use.
If you do not shop for electricity through a third-party supplier, you’ll pay the Price to Compare, or PPL Electric default rate which changes twice per year on June 1 and December 1.
Delivery Details
The delivery portion of your bill covers the cost of delivering electricity to your home safely and reliably, including costs to maintain the poles, wires and service.
This charge may include:
- Customer Charge - A fixed fee set by the PA PUC covering meters, billing, and customer service.
- Distribution Energy Charge – The cost of delivering electricity from our distribution system to your home.
- Certain eligible Distribution System Improvements
- Certain eligible storm damage expenses
It also includes costs associated with programs we are required to offer or participate in by law or regulation, such as Universal Service Programs, Energy Efficiency, Smart Meters and PA taxes.
Supply Details
The supply portion shows the charge for the electricity you use each month.
Whether you have a third-party supplier (as seen here) or pay the PPL Electric default rate, the generation supply charges are influenced by the market.
If you don’t shop for a third-party supplier, we purchase power for you and pass on the cost of generation supply without markup.
The supply portion also includes a transmission service charge, which is a regulated fee that helps cover the cost of transporting electricity from power plants to local utilities, and eventually your home or business.
Usage Summary
Here is a year-over-year comparison of your electricity use to see how some minor lifestyle changes could save you a few dollars.
Monthly Plan vs. Actual Charges
If you’re on budget billing or a payment arrangement, you can track your progress here.
*Your bill may look slightly different if you’re enrolled in our OnTrack program or budget billing or pay for electricity at a business.