What is Penelec?
Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec) is a utility company owned by FirstEnergy. It was formed in 1997 when Ohio Edison Company and Centerior Energy Corporation merged. FirstEnergy is based in Akron, OH, and serves 67,000 square miles across five states.
Penelec serves approximately 600,000 electric utility customers in Pennsylvania across 17,000 square miles. Headquartered in Erie, the utility delivers electricity to cities including Somerset, Erie, Troy, Altoona, and Johnstown. Penelec was founded in Philipsburg, PA, in 1919, operating in its service area for over 100 years.
Penelec rates
What is electricity deregulation?
Historically, electric utility customers couldn’t shop around for energy plans and rates. This is different from how customers can comparison shop for other services because there are many companies and options to choose from in most markets.
Before electric deregulation, you had to purchase your electricity from the utility company for your area by default. However, thanks to electricity deregulation, customers in deregulated areas have the power to choose their energy providers.
Many states now have deregulated energy markets, including Illinois, New York, Ohio, California, and Texas. In 1996, the Pennsylvania government passed the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, allowing Pennsylvania residents and business owners the ability to choose from multiple electric providers.
Some deregulated states only have the power to choose either electricity or natural gas. However, Pennsylvania residents and business owners can select both electricity and natural gas providers. SaveOnEnergy.com has resources for both.
- Learn how you can switch to Penelec or other energy plans.
- Get tips on how to buy an energy plan.
- Find out how to save money on your monthly electricity bills.
- Most electric providers run a credit check before starting service. A high credit score may mean that you don’t have to pay a deposit to begin new service.
- Learn about prepaid electric plan options.
What is Penelec’s price to compare?
The price to compare, or PTC, is the price an electric utility such as Penelec charges customers in its service area who do not contract with an independent supplier. Penelec PA’s price to compare rate can change four times annually. As of March 2023, it is 9.561 cents per kWh for residential customers and 9.161 cents per kWh for businesses.
However, this rate is subject to change and can increase. You could end up paying a higher power rate if you do not choose your electricity supplier and default to the utility company. SaveOnEnergy.com can help you find the most affordable electricity rates in your area. Find out if you can beat Penelec’s energy rates by entering your ZIP code.
What is the difference between an energy utility and a supplier?
Deregulated energy markets give you the ability to choose your energy supplier. However, deregulation does not impact which utility company you have. That is determined by where your home or business is located.
Energy suppliers produce or buy electricity and sell it to their customers. They offer various electricity rates and plans, so you can choose what’s best for your household or company.
However, utilities in Pennsylvania can also be energy suppliers, so they deliver electricity to homes and businesses. Therefore, they are responsible for maintaining power transmission lines and other equipment. When you have a power outage or damage to power lines or poles, call the utility company, not your energy supplier.
If you have issues with your account or bill, want to change your energy plan, or understand your power usage, contact your energy provider.
Which energy suppliers are available in Penelec’s service area?
To learn about the electric suppliers in your area, enter your ZIP code in the search field. We’ll show you the energy provider options available near you, such as Constellation Energy, Public Power, Clearview Energy, Verde Energy, and Yep Energy. You can sort the search results by plan features, energy providers, and electricity rates.
Contact Penelec
Blackouts and issues with power lines should be reported to Penelec. If Penelec is also your energy supplier and you want to ask questions about energy rates or find out your usage, use the contact information below.