PUC Warns of Higher Electric Bills This Winter

Nov. 24, 2025

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Pennsylvania’s utility regulator advises electricity users — which is just about all of us — to be ready for higher prices this winter.

PPL Corp.’s proposed increase for delivering electricity is still being reviewed, but the price of electricity used is going up, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The PUC estimates the PPL delivery charge would cost an average user about $12 monthly if enacted fully.

The PUC recommends strategies for dealing with higher bills, but the truth is we all use electricity, we all purchase things stored, cooked, processed or otherwise that use electricity, so the average person is stuck paying higher rates.

That’s worse in the winter, the PUC notes, because the cost of heat soars.

PPL’s price per kilowatt hour is due to go to 12.953 cents on Dec. 1, up from 12.49 cents. The cost for delivery, as noted, is not going up until sometime next year, as PPL has planned all along. The PUC will review the proposal first.

Here’s a link to how PPL explains its bills.

Shares of PPL (NYSE:PPL) traded at $36.06 today, down 6 cents from Friday. The Allentown-based utility has a market capitalization of about $26.7 billion at that price.

— Disclosure: I own shares of PPL. The dividends aren’t going to cover my electric bill.

Here’s a link to the PUC statement and here’s a cut-and-paste version:

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers that energy supply prices for all PUC regulated electric utilities will adjust on December 1. These seasonal changes matter: during the winter heating months, the cost of electricity can account for more than half of a typical customer bill.

The PUC urges consumers who are worried about winter heating bills to act early and Call Utilities Now to discuss affordability options and assistance programs that will help them to stay connected.

Why December 1 Price Changes Matter – Understanding Your Bill

Electric bills have two primary components:

• Generation/supply charge – This is the cost of the electricity you use. The price is set either by your competitive supplier (if you shop), or your utility’s “Price to Compare” (PTC), if you do not shop.
  
• Delivery/distribution charge – This charge includes the cost for the poles, wires, and other infrastructure and operational services to deliver energy to your home or business. This portion of your monthly bill is set by the PUC as part of periodic rate cases filed by the utilities and generally remains stable for multiple years.

It is essential for utility customers to understand what they are paying for energy supply costs, either through default service from their utility or a contract with a competitive energy supplier.

Electric PTC Adjustments for Residential Customers

The generation/supply PTC typically makes up 40% to 60% of the customer’s total utility bill, but the actual impact on total bills will vary based on weather, the efficiency of your heating system, and individual usage. The Commission does not regulate energy prices themselves, which are driven by the regional energy market.  

Price Increases (Effective December 1)

• Duquesne Light: 12.43 to 13.75 ¢/kWh (+10.6%)
• Pike County Light & Power (estimated): 10.1923 to 11.21 ¢/kWh (+9.9%)
• Met-Ed: 11.905 to 12.965 ¢/kWh (+8.9%)
• Penelec: 11.004 to 11.747 ¢/kWh (+6.75%)
• Penn Power: 11.858 to 12.606 ¢/kWh (+6.31%)
• West Penn Power: 10.318 to 10.947 ¢/kWh (+6.1%)
• PECO: 10.4 to 11.024 ¢/kWh (+6%)
• PPL: 12.49 to 12.953 ¢/kWh (+3.7%)
  

Price Decreases (Effective December 1)

• Wellsboro Electric: 12.809 to 12.04 ¢/kWh (–6%)
• UGI Electric: 11.471 to 11.213 ¢/kWh (–2.25%)
  

Pending December 1 Prices

• Citizens’ Electric: 11.419 to Pending ¢/kWh

December 1 PTC Adjustments for Small Business Customers

For small business customers, the PUC notes that most EDCs are also adjusting their PTCs on December 1 in their small commercial rate classes. Among the state’s major EDCs, price changes in default service rates for small businesses will vary:

• Duquesne Light small business customers will see a PTC increase of more than 12%.
• PTC increases in the FirstEnergy service territories (Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power) range between 6.5% and 13.8%.
• Small business customers in UGI’s service territory will see a PTC drop of approximately 2.24%.

#CallUtilitiesNow

For struggling households struggling with higher energy costs, the PUC encourages you to Call your utilities now. A direct conversation is often the fastest and most effective first step to learn about utility assistance programs and address overdue balances. 

Pennsylvania’s utilities collectively dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars each year to universal service programs — including Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), budget billing, weatherization, and hardship funds. These programs are designed to help eligible households reduce energy use, lower monthly costs, and stay connected, even during difficult times.


Your Winter Energy Checklist: Simple Steps to Save and Stay Connected

To help consumers prepare for colder months, the PUC encourages everyone to take these simple steps:

1. Review your utility bills. Understand your current rate and usage — and how colder weather can increase demand.
   
2. Don’t wait to call. If you’re worried about paying your bill, contact your utility now to ask about assistance programs or payment plans.
   
3. Ask about affordability programs. Utilities offer programs like CAPs, budget billing, and hardship funds that can reduce your monthly costs.
   
4. Make small energy-saving changes. Lower your thermostat by one or two degrees, check furnace filters, and seal drafts — small actions that add up.
   
5. Explore energy-saving tools. Visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com for energy tips, shopping options, and more ways to save.  In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity – based on price or other factors, such as renewable energy. 

Staying Warm, Safe, and Connected

Consumers who cannot resolve issues directly with their utility can contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380 for help or more information about available programs.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.