Met-Ed Pennsylvania Electric Rates: South-Central PA Guide

Met-Ed (Metropolitan Edison Company) delivers power to almost 600,000 customers across 3,300 square miles of south-central and southeastern Pennsylvania. They've been doing this since 1894, which means they know their way around an electric pole.

These days, Met-Ed is part of the FirstEnergy family, operating alongside Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power across the state.

What matters: Met-Ed doesn't make electricity. They just deliver it. Pennsylvania's deregulated market split those jobs decades ago. You can pick who sells you power through PA Power Switch, but Met-Ed still owns the wires, reads your meter, and shows up when the lights go out. That part doesn't change no matter who you buy from.

Met-Ed covers a big chunk of south-central and southeastern Pennsylvania. Think Berks, York, Adams, and Lancaster counties.

The big cities? Reading (about 95,000 people) and York (44,000). But they also serve Hanover, Gettysburg, Carlisle, and Chambersburg. Basically, if you're anywhere from the Maryland border up through central PA, there's a decent chance Met-Ed is your utility.

You'll find Met-Ed poles in cities, suburbs, and farm country. Pretty much everywhere in their territory.

Not sure if you're in Met-Ed territory? Your electric bill will tell you. Or check PA Power Switch to see if you can shop for better rates.

As of December 1, 2025, Met-Ed's Price to Compare sits at 12.965 cents per kWh. That's up 8.9% from the previous 11.905¢/kWh. Ouch.

What's Price to Compare? It's the default rate Met-Ed charges if you don't pick your own supplier. Think of it as the benchmark you're trying to beat when shopping.

Met-Ed updates this rate every quarter on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. FirstEnergy runs auctions to buy power from PJM Interconnection wholesale markets, and whatever they pay gets passed on to you.

If you run a business, your rate is around 11.576 cents per kWh.

Why the December jump? PJM capacity costs went absolutely bonkers. We're talking an 833% increase from the 2024 capacity auction. When wholesale costs spike like that, your bill follows.

Met-Ed splits customers into different rate schedules depending on who you are and how much power you use.

Most people fall into Rate RS (Residential Service). That's the standard homeowner and renter rate. If you own a small business, you're probably on Rate GS-Small. Bigger operations land on Rate GS-Medium or GS-Large depending on how much power they pull.

There are also time-of-use rates if you can shift your electricity use to off-peak hours. Not common for most people, but they exist.

Your bill shows two separate charges. Met-Ed's distribution charges cover the customer fee, delivery costs, and various riders. Those stay the same no matter who sells you power. The supply charges? That's the part you can shop around for.

Knowing your rate class matters because the Price to Compare is different for each one. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples when you shop.

Switching power suppliers in Met-Ed territory? It's easier than you think.

Head over to PAPowerSwitch.com and compare what's available. Grab your Met-Ed account number from your bill first. Look for rates below 12.965¢/kWh (the current Price to Compare). When you find something better, sign up directly with that supplier either online or over the phone.

The whole switch takes about one to two billing cycles. Met-Ed doesn't charge you anything for switching. Your power won't flicker or cut out during the transition. You'll still get one bill from Met-Ed, but it'll show charges from both them (delivery) and your new supplier (generation).

Met-Ed keeps delivering your electricity no matter who you buy from. That's the beauty of Pennsylvania's system.

Your Met-Ed bill isn't just one number. It's got layers.

Supply charges are what you're paying for the actual electricity - either from Met-Ed or whatever competitive supplier you picked. Distribution charges cover getting that power to your house through Met-Ed's poles and wires. There's a fixed customer charge just for being hooked up to the grid. Transmission charges pay for moving electricity from power plants to your local area on those big high-voltage lines. And then you've got riders and surcharges funding energy efficiency programs, smart meters, and storm recovery stuff.

Your bill also shows how many kilowatt-hours you used this month, your daily average, and how you compare to last year. The Price to Compare is right there too - that's your benchmark for shopping around.

If you switched to a competitive supplier, you'll see their name and rate on the supply line instead of Met-Ed's default rate.

When your lights go out, Met-Ed fixes it. Doesn't matter who you're buying power from - Met-Ed owns the wires.

Report outages by calling 1-888-544-4877 or using the FirstEnergy mobile app. The online outage map shows where problems are and when they think they'll have you back up.

Met-Ed spends money trying to keep the lights on in the first place. Smart grid tech helps them spot problems faster. Tree trimming keeps branches off the lines. They run 24/7 emergency crews for downed wires and equipment failures.

Most stuff gets fixed within a few hours. Big storms? That's a different story. Could take longer depending on how bad it is.

Sign up for outage alerts if you want text, email, or phone updates about restoration times. Beats sitting in the dark wondering.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has your back when it comes to shopping for electricity in Met-Ed territory.

Every supplier has to hold a PA PUC license. No license, no business. You get a 3-day window to cancel any new contract without penalty - sign up, sleep on it, bail if you change your mind. Every contract has to include standardized disclosure statements so you know what you're signing. Early termination fees are capped at $50 for residential contracts under a year. And if you've got a decent payment history, they can't hit you with security deposits.

If something goes wrong, file a complaint with PA PUC and they'll investigate. You can also check supplier complaint statistics before you sign anything - see who's got angry customers and who doesn't.

Met-Ed has to deliver power the same way whether you're on their default rate or buying from someone else. Service quality doesn't change with your supplier choice.

Want to cut your Met-Ed bill? You've got options.

First, shop around. Find suppliers charging less than the 12.965¢/kWh Price to Compare. Fixed-rate plans lock you in and protect against quarterly price jumps. Check offers every 6-12 months because markets change and better deals pop up.

Met-Ed runs rebate programs for efficient appliances. If you qualify, weatherization assistance can plug the leaks in your house. A smart thermostat programs itself to save on heating and cooling without you thinking about it. Swap out old incandescent bulbs for LEDs - they use way less power and last forever.

If you're on a time-of-use rate, run your dishwasher and laundry during off-peak hours when electricity costs less. Not everyone has this option, but if you do, use it.

Budget billing spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments. Your bill in February looks like your bill in August. Makes planning easier even if it doesn't save you money.

Need to reach Met-Ed? Here's how.

Customer service: 1-800-545-7741 for billing, accounts, and general questions. Power outages: 1-888-544-4877 or use the FirstEnergy mobile app.

The Met-Ed website (firstenergycorp.com/met-ed) handles account access, bill payment, and usage tracking. PA Power Switch is where you compare licensed suppliers for Met-Ed territory. PA PUC has consumer guides, complaint statistics, and dispute resolution if you need backup.

If money's tight, LIHEAP helps qualifying low-income customers with bills. Met-Ed CAP offers reduced rates if you're income-eligible. Don't leave money on the table if you qualify.