Escaping the summer heat becomes pricier for PECO customers on June 1 when utility rates increase for electricity. Natural gas prices will also increase.
The average PECO customer will see electric bills rise about 3 percent, or about $5 a month for a household using the average 700 kilowatts per year, the state Public Utilities Commission warned customers.
Natural gas prices will rise about a half a percent, lifting the average residential bill to about $110 a month, the PUC said.
In an email, PECO said it was not raising rates but passing along a price increase via PJM, the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across 13-state grids, including Pennsylvania.
“The energy landscape has shifted, and supply is not keeping pace with growing demand, resulting in significantly higher energy bills for customers,” the utility said. “This latest increase underscores a growing and unsustainable supply gap and the urgent need for PJM and the broader industry to do more to bring reliable, affordable electric supply onto the system. Doing business as usual is not an option.”
How much you pay rests on two issues: the current market price of power and the amount of electricity you consume during hot, humid stretches of weather.
“While (the) 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 said.
The PUC said customers concerned about price increases should “prepare now” and call PECO to discuss ways to handle whatever increases their bill brings this summer.
The electricity price hike affects 1.6 million residential homes and businesses in Southeastern Pennsylvania serviced by PECO. The natural gas increase affects more than 550,000 residential homes and businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania, the company said.
The PUC urged customers concerned about summer electric bills to contact PECO before account balances “may become difficult to manage.”
Help is available, including specialized payment arrangements, Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), budget billing plans, hardship funds, and other support.
Steps on saving on electricity bills in Bucks County
The PUC also urged the following:
- Contact your utility earlyif 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 useby 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 toolsthrough PAPowerSwitch.com.
