May 21, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission warns electricity users — that’s all of us — that prices are going up June 1.
The PUC points out that PPL’s price will go up 1.5% to 13.147 cents per kilowatt hour, and MetEd will charge 13.951 cents, up 7.6%. Those rates are set every six months, so the next change will be Dec. 1, just as heating bills kick in.
That is for the so-called default rate for people who don’t shop for a supplier. There are better rates out there at PaPowerSwitch.com, with the usual caveat: be sure to shop again about two weeks before the rate expires.
We’re leaving that “sweet spot” when it’s usually not too cold or too hot, but summer is coming and air-conditioning bills are set to jump, the PUC, regulator of public utilities, notes.
“Summer electric bills are influenced by two major factors: the market price of electricity and the amount of electricity used during periods of hot weather. While June 1 generation price adjustments may increase supply costs for many customers, extended heat waves and heavier air-conditioning use can have an even larger impact on total monthly bills,” according to the PUC statement.
Meanwhile, PPL plans to raise the price of delivering energy by about $7.42 per month for the average residence. That is separate from the cost of the energy used, and the new rate could go into effect in July.
The PUC offers some advice, see it below, including contacting the utility if the bill gets out of control, but the reality is that most of us will just pay it with a little grumbling but without any outside help.
Here is a link to the PUC statement and below is a cut-and-paste version:
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers that electric generation prices for all PUC-regulated electric utilities will adjust on June 1 – just as summer temperatures and air-conditioning use begin increasing electricity demand across Pennsylvania.
Summer electric bills are influenced by two major factors: the market price of electricity and the amount of electricity used during periods of hot weather. While June 1 generation price adjustments may increase supply costs for many customers, extended heat waves and heavier air-conditioning use can have an even larger impact on total monthly bills.
The PUC encourages consumers to prepare now by reviewing their energy usage, exploring conservation opportunities, and to #CallUtilitiesNow to discuss tools like budget billing, payment arrangements, and other available assistance programs if they are concerned about summer bills.
Why Now? Understanding June 1 Price Changes
On June 1 electric distribution companies (EDCs) in Pennsylvania will adjust their “Price to Compare” (PTC) — the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charged to customers who have not selected a competitive electric generation supplier (or EGS). These prices are based on wholesale market rates and can significantly impact monthly bills.
Note: These changes only affect customers receiving “default service” from their electric utility — that is, those who have not selected an EGS. Customers already shopping with a supplier will continue paying the generation price set by their contract, but they should also be aware of these broader market trends to prepare for potential impacts when their current contract ends.
Understanding Your Bill
Electric bills have two primary components:
- Generation/supply charge – This is the cost of the electricity itself. This 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.
The PUC regulates distribution rates and utility service quality, but wholesale electricity prices are driven by regional energy markets and are not directly controlled by the Commission.For many residential customers, generation charges may account for roughly 50% or more of a total electric bill, though the total impact of summer bills can vary significantly depending on weather conditions and household electricity usage.
Why Summer Bills Can Increase Quickly
During periods of extreme heat, electric bills can rise quickly because air conditioners and cooling systems run longer and more frequently. Even modest increases in electric supply prices may have a larger impact during especially hot months because total household electricity use also increases.
The PUC encourages consumers to pay close attention to both electricity prices and overall energy usage during the summer season.
Electric PTC Adjustments for Residential Customers
Beginning June 1, Pennsylvania electric distribution companies (EDCs) will adjust their default service “Price to Compare” (PTC) rates for residential customers.
While these changes affect the generation portion of electric bills, total monthly costs will also depend heavily on summer temperatures and individual energy usage.
Price Changes (Effective June 1)
| Utility | Current Price | June 1 Price | Change |
| Citizens’ Electric (estimated) | 13.209¢ | 13.215¢ | +0.05% |
| Duquesne Light (estimated) | 13.75¢ | 14.14¢ | +2.84% |
| Met-Ed | 12.965¢ | 13.951¢ | +7.6% |
| PECO (estimated) | 11.024¢ | 11.572¢ | +4.97% |
| Penelec | 11.747¢ | 13.142¢ | +11.88% |
| Penn Power | 12.606¢ | 13.477¢ | +6.9% |
| Pike County Light & Power (estimated) | 11.21¢ | 13.43¢ | +19.8% |
| PPL | 12.953¢ | 13.147¢ | +1.5% |
| UGI Electric | 11.212¢ | 12.617¢ | +12.53% |
| Wellsboro Electric | 12.352¢ | 12.556¢ | +1.65% |
| West Penn Power | 10.947¢ | 12.075¢ | +10.3% |
June 1 PTC Adjustments for Small Business Customers
For small business customers, the PUC notes that most EDCs are also adjusting their PTCs on June 1. Among the state’s EDCs, price changes in default service rates for small businesses will vary:
- PECO estimates a PTC increase of more than 14%.
- Both UGI Electric (more than 12%) and Penelec (more than 6%) will also see PTC increases for small business customers.
- Meanwhile, PTC adjustments in the Met-Ed, Penn Power and West Penn Power service territories, as well as in Duquesne Light and PPL, will remain steady or drop slightly.
#CallUtilitiesNow
Consumers concerned about summer electric bills are encouraged to contact their utilities now — before account balances may become difficult to manage.
Early communication with utilities often provides customers with more options, including payment arrangements, Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), budget billing plans, hardship funds, and other support services.
Pennsylvania utilities collectively dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars annually to universal service and affordability programs designed to help eligible households remain connected during periods of financial hardship.
Your Summer Energy Checklist: Simple Steps to Save and Stay Connected
To help consumers prepare for warmer weather, the PUC encourages everyone to take these simple steps:
- Review your current electric bill and monitor your energy usage as temperatures rise.
- Contact your utility early if you are concerned about paying your bill or falling behind on payments.
- Ask about CAPs, budget billing, hardship funds, and payment arrangements.
- Reduce unnecessary energy use by adjusting thermostats, replacing HVAC filters, sealing air leaks, using fans, and limiting heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day.
- Explore conservation resources and educational tools through PAPowerSwitch.com.
Energy Shopping: Know Before You Shop
Shopping for a lower EGS rate is one potential savings tool. Consumers should be aware that current wholesale market trends have resulted in fewer supplier offers below the utility rate than in prior years, and that offers priced below the utility’s PTC may be a short-term contract — typically lasting three to six months.
When shopping, all consumers should stay informed:
- Compare carefully at PAPowerSwitch.com.
- Know whether a rate is fixed or variable, and check for early termination fees or monthly charges. The website has filtering features to help you shop and avoid energy products that you do not want.
- Before enrolling, carefully review contract terms, pricing structures, and renewal conditions.
- Be aware of your contract expiration date and watch for renewal notices from your current supplier.
- If you have questions about your contract, contact your EGS.
Staying Cool, Safe, and Connected
Consumers who cannot resolve billing or service issues directly with their utility or EGS may contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380 for assistance, consumer education, and additional information about available utility 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.
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