Choosing an electricity provider in Pennsylvania can feel overwhelming. With multiple plan options, contract lengths, pricing structures and renewable energy choices available, how do you know which electricity provider is the right fit for your household?
Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market gives residents the power to choose their electric generation supplier. In 1996, Pennsylvania passed the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act (EGCCCA), deregulating retail energy and allowing residents to choose their electricity supplier. This legislation ended the era of utility monopolies, opening Pennsylvania’s energy market to licensed electric generation suppliers competing to win your business through better pricing, flexible contract options, access to renewable energy and more.
As a consumer today, you have the ability to choose a retail energy plan that works best for you. However, with the increase in options comes the risk of confusion. That’s where we come in to help. In this guide, we’ll help you understand your current electricity plan, compare electricity providers in Pennsylvania and discover the tools you need to confidently choose and energy provider that works for you.
Know Your Current Status
The first step in choosing an energy provider is to understand your current situation. Pennsylvania has seven electric utility providers, such as Pennsylvania Electric Company, PPL Electric Utilities, PECO and more, each serving different regions of the state.
As a Philadelphia resident, PECO Energy Company is the regulated electric utility serving your home. Simply put, PECO maintains the power lines and supplies electricity to your home. If you don’t shop for a licensed electric generation supplier, PECO will also set the rate you pay for your electricity.
Knowing your electric utility provider is a key first step in understanding your options and helps you move forward in finding a supplier with rates and plans that fit your needs.
Identify What Matters Most
Before diving into plan comparisons, it helps to start with a simple question: what do you actually need from your energy supplier? Someone with a strict budget may prioritize the lowest available rate, while a homeowner planning to stay put for years might value the stability of a fixed-rate contract. If sustainability is important to your household, narrowing your search to renewable plans from the start saves time. Additionally, reviewing your household’s size and energy usage can also point you toward plans that fit your lifestyle and budget. Taking a moment to assess your needs and current situation can go a long way in finding the right fit for your home.
Compare Providers
Once you know what you’re looking for, it is important to then conduct your research on rates and plans available within your ZIP code. Websites such as PA Energy Ratings or PAPowerSwitch make comparisons faster and more transparent, allowing you to see plans side by side and filter by what matters to you. When evaluating licensed electric generation suppliers in comparison to your utility’s services, the price to compare (PTC) will demonstrate how much difference there is in overall price.
What Am I Comparing?
As a retail electricity customer, there are multiple items that you can compare, which may seem daunting. We’re here to break it down into a few simple key categories to make it much more manageable for you:
• Fixed Rates vs. Variable Rates: Choose a fixed rate if you value stability and want to lock in a consistent price. Choose a variable rate if you are comfortable with fluctuating prices and want the potential to benefit from lower market rates.
• Renewable or Not? Within the state of Pennsylvania, renewable energy generated from sources such as wind, hydro and solar is available for customers who want to reduce their environmental impact and support a more sustainable future.
• Contract Length: Contracts in Pennsylvania can range from month-to-month options to up to 36 months. As a consumer, you should decide how long you want to commit to a specific supplier and rate.
• Usage-Based Pricing: Some electricity providers give free or discounted electricity during certain times. Whether it’s evenings, weekends or specific hours, understanding your electricity usage is key to making the best decision for you.
The Electricity Facts Label
An important resource for comparison is the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), which provides all the essential details you need to evaluate a specific electricity plan. Think of it as a breakdown of what you will pay and what to expect from your specific plan. When reading an EFL, there are two sections that clearly explain what you as a consumer will be paying for your electricity usage every month. The two sections are:
• Electricity Price: The first charge that is important to review and understand in this section is the energy charge. This is how much you will pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity usage. Next, is the base fee, which can vary depending on the licensed electric generation supplier. Finally, you’ll see your utility provider’s charges, which covers the cost of delivering electricity to your home. This portion remains the same no matter which supplier you choose.
• Disclosure Chart: This section outlines key details about your plan, including the contract length, any early termination fees, whether your rate can change, additional fees and the renewable content of your electricity. It also includes a comparison to the statewide average for renewable content. Reviewing this section carefully can help you avoid surprises and choose a plan that aligns with your expectations.
Things to Beware Of
When choosing an energy provider in Pennsylvania, beware of hidden fees and early termination penalties. As a consumer, it is important to understand what you are paying for. Additionally, you should research reviews and ratings to see how providers handle customer service and resolve issues. Choosing a supplier isn’t just about cost, it’s about confidence in your plan.
Additional Helpful Tools
In addition to comparison sites, there are a variety of resources available to help you make a confident decision. Pennsylvania consumer advocacy groups, community forums and educational guides such as this one can give you a clearer picture of your options and help you find a plan that truly fits your needs.
What the Future Holds
As the energy landscape in Pennsylvania continues to evolve, there is opportunity for more renewable options, smarter usage tools and plans designed with customers in mind. By staying informed, you can make confident and thoughtful decisions that support you, your family, and your future.
Choose CleanSky Energy for Renewable Electricity in Pennsylvania
When you’re ready to choose an electricity provider that offers renewable electricity, transparent pricing and exceptional customer support, CleanSky Energy is here for you. We make switching simple so you can enjoy the benefits of a fixed-rate electricity plan backed by 100% renewable energy. Browse our Pennsylvania plans, enroll online or call 888-355-6205 to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch to CleanSky Energy?
Enrolling is simple. You can explore our energy plans and agreements, compare rates, and select the plan that aligns with your needs all in one place. You can either sign up online or call us at 888-355-6205. You can also email us at CustomerCare@CleanSkyEnergy.com. Our team is available from 9:00 am-7:00 pm ET, and Saturday from 10:00 am-2:00 pm ET.
Why should I switch to CleanSky?
At CleanSky Energy, our residential electricity plans offer 100% clean power sourced exclusively from U.S. wind and solar farms, ensuring a sustainable future without compromising affordability. With dependable customer-service and fixed-rate terms, we empower you to make the switch to the right renewable energy plan with confidence and ease.
How much does it cost to switch to CleanSky?
There is no enrollment fee with CleanSky Energy; however, your local utility may charge a nominal, one-time service charge that will appear on the following invoice from the utility.
Do I need to call my current supplier in order to switch?
No. We will handle notifying the right people for you. CleanSky will ensure the process is completely seamless and with no interruption in energy service.
How long will it take for my electricity to switch over?
The exact time for switching is determined by your local utility. It depends on when you enroll, but the change will most likely occur on the date of the next scheduled meter-read by the utility. After enrolling with CleanSky, you will receive a welcome letter with the details of your energy agreement. It may take one to two billing cycles for CleanSky Energy to appear on your invoice from the utility.
Do I need any special equipment for a renewable energy plan?
No additional equipment is needed to receive electricity from CleanSky Energy. Your home or business will use the same energy-supply lines as always.
