Pennsylvania businesses have real electricity options
PA was one of the first states to deregulate electricity. That means mature supplier competition—but also a complex market with hidden fees and confusing rate structures. We help you navigate it.
Pennsylvania's commercial electricity market
Pennsylvania deregulated electricity in 1996—one of the pioneers. Nearly three decades later, the market has matured with dozens of active suppliers competing for commercial accounts across the state.
But maturity doesn't mean simplicity. PA's commercial electricity market has evolved into a complex landscape of tiered pricing, capacity charges, and transmission adders that can make rate comparisons misleading.
That 5.9¢/kWh "all-in" rate you were quoted? It might exclude capacity charges that add 1-2¢/kWh more. We read the fine print so you don't get surprised.
What PA businesses should watch for
- 1Capacity charges are the hidden cost
Pennsylvania is part of PJM, which assesses capacity charges based on your peak demand during specific summer hours. These charges can add significantly to your bill—and many "low rate" quotes exclude them.
- 2PECO vs. PPL vs. FirstEnergy = different rules
Each utility territory has different rate structures, demand thresholds, and billing practices. A plan that works well in Philadelphia may not be optimal in Pittsburgh or Allentown.
- 3Watch the "Price to Compare" timing
PA utilities adjust their default supply rates quarterly. The best time to lock in a competitive rate isn't always "right now"—market conditions and utility rate cycles matter.
- 4Contract terms vary widely
PA suppliers offer everything from month-to-month to 36-month contracts. Early termination fees, auto-renewal clauses, and rate adjustment mechanisms differ significantly between providers.
Pennsylvania utility territories we serve
We work with businesses across all Pennsylvania electric distribution companies:
PECO
Philadelphia & Southeastern PA
PPL Electric
Eastern & Central PA
Duquesne Light
Pittsburgh Metro
Met-Ed (FirstEnergy)
South-Central PA
PENELEC (FirstEnergy)
Northern & Western PA
Penn Power (FirstEnergy)
Western PA
Pennsylvania businesses we help
Not in Pennsylvania? We also serve businesses in Texas, Ohio, Massachusetts, and other deregulated states.
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Pennsylvania commercial electricity questions
What are capacity charges and why do they matter?
Pennsylvania is part of the PJM grid, which charges for "capacity"—the cost of keeping power plants available to meet peak demand. Your capacity charge is based on your business's peak usage during five specific summer hours. These charges can add $50-200+ per month for commercial accounts and are often hidden in supplier quotes.
How do I compare suppliers fairly in Pennsylvania?
Ask every supplier for the "all-in" rate that includes energy, capacity, transmission, and any other charges. Then verify what's included. Many suppliers quote an attractive energy-only rate but pass through capacity and transmission separately. We standardize quotes so you can compare apples to apples.
When is the best time to lock in a rate in PA?
Generally, rates tend to be lower in spring and fall when demand is moderate. Summer and winter often see higher prices due to A/C and heating demand. That said, market conditions vary year to year. We monitor wholesale markets and can advise on timing for your specific contract renewal.
What happens if my supplier goes out of business?
You're protected. If a supplier fails, you automatically return to your utility's default supply rate—you'll never lose power. The PA PUC requires suppliers to maintain financial standards, but we also vet suppliers for stability. Lowest rate isn't always best if the company can't deliver long-term.