State Senator Andy Dinniman E-Newsletter February 4, 2011: Important Information About Electric Supplier Choice

Dear Friend,

I want to remind you that you have the option of choosing your own electric supplier, and I encourage you to visit PA Power Switch. The website, which is operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, allows you to easily compare companies, save money and choose how your electricity is produced.

In 1997, the Pennsylvania Electric Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act gave all Pennsylvanians the right to choose the company that generates their electricity. To ease the transition to a competitive market, electric rates were capped at set levels until 2011. Those caps have now expired, the competitive market we sought is here, and customers who do not shop around and instead stay with their default supplier will most likely see increases in their bills beginning this month.

PA Power Switch is a great website for everything you need to know about the recent expiration of electricity rate caps, including comparing prices and other green options and services. You can look for the lowest price among competitors, or customize your supplier to utilize renewable energy sources. I encourage you to weigh your options and choose the supplier that is right for you and your household. More than 800,000 customers have already switched.

For more information, I encourage you to watch my latest episode of Capitol Update featuring Wayne Gardner and Rob Powelson, two Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioners who are from right here in Chester County.

The show features an open discussion on the deregulation of electric utilities and the many options available with several important insights. For instance, while generation supply costs make up the majority of the average electric bill, it’s important to note that choosing a new electric supplier (the company that will handle the generation of electricity) will not change the utility that distributes or delivers the power. That means PECO customers choosing a new electric supplier will still receive a bill from PECO for distribution charges and will still be serviced by PECO in the event of power outages or other problems.
In addition, you may want to take a look at this helpful guide from the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate.

Thank you and as always, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me at andy@pasenate.com with any questions, concerns or comments that you may have.