Pennsylvania Electric Bill, Rates, and Companies and Making Sense of it All
Understanding Your Pennsylvania Electric Bill
Many consumers have a hard time understanding their Pennsylvania electric bill. Living in a competitive energy market where you get to choose your energy provider, it’s more important than ever that you understand some fundamental basics about it.
What Your Pennsylvania Electric Bill Must Include by Law
One of the first things you should know is that the Public Utility Commission (PUC), the governing body that oversees utility providers, has rules that specifically state that your bill must be “easy to read.”
Even with this type of regulation in effect, Pennsylvania electric bills can still be hard to read. Add to this the fact that they’re not standardized (ie, each company designs their own bills) and the confusion can mount.
BUT, there is a silver lining. All electric bills must have the following components:
Billing Period: The time frame the bill covers.
Total Due: Amount owed for the timeframe shown.
Previous Payments: Or said another way, all payments you’ve made since your last bill.
Contact Info: Bill must include a phone number to address billing questions, as well as one to report outages.
Your kWh Use: In this section you’ll find info on what your total kilowatt-hour usage was for the period covered by the bill, as well as what your meter reading was.
Type of Usage: Bill will also outline what type of plan you’re on – ie, a billed usage or an estimate plan.
One Way to Save on Your Pennsylvania Electric Bill
If you’re on a prepaid electric service plan, it pays to switch to a conventional plan – even if it means paying a deposit (or more of a deposit) up front. Why?
Because prepaid electric services plans simply cost more. The cost more per kWh is higher, which means you pay more needlessly month after month.
In contrast, if you saved up and paid a deposit, you qualify for the same low rates consumers with good credit receive. This can save you more over time – and not as much time as you might think.
Can’t Afford an Electric Service Deposit?
Energy companies are meeting consumer needs in a variety of ways, especially low-income consumers, those on fixed incomes and those with shaky credit. Call your Pennsylvania electricity provider to ask about no-deposit and low-deposit electric service plan options.
All you have to do is explain your circumstances to the representative and ask which no-deposit and/or low-deposit electric plans they offer than you may qualify for.
Good luck!
Tags: PA Electric Service, Pennsylvania
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