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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2009

A Capitol Perspective
A column by State Senator Pat Browne
16th Senatorial District

Website Helps Consumers, Businesses Shop for Electricity

As caps are being lifted on electric rates, I urge consumers to learn more about electric choice to ensure that they receive the lowest cost electricity for their household and business.

Although consumers will still have their electricity delivered to their home or business from the same provider, consumers now have the option to choose the company from which their energy is generated. As you are aware, electricity costs within the PPL service territory are expected to increase by up to 30 percent due to the expiration of the ten-year cap on higher electric generation rates. However, to compete for customers in the deregulated market, electric generation companies are now offering choices in our market which are allowing area households to realize substantial savings in their energy purchases from the standard uncapped rate. Residents should use all of the resources available to make choices for their households and businesses which will reduce the long-term cost of their energy usage while serving their overall energy needs.

To better empower you to make these choices, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission recently launched a website for residential, commercial and industrial customers wishing to find more information about electric shopping, what it is, how to shop and which suppliers are available. 

The website, www.PApowerswitch.com, includes all related information as well as the PUC’s list of competing suppliers and the Office of Consumer Advocate’s Shopping Guide pricing information.

In addition, by entering your zip code in a search box, you can see all suppliers and offers available in your area. The site also includes general consumer and business education, energy conservation tips to help offset prices, Frequently Asked Questions, a “Tell a Neighbor” sharing feature and basic PUC contact information. 

As the website develops, it will include the ability of electric generation suppliers to update their own prices and information on the site, as well as Spanish translation and consumer alert emails for residents to build a custom profile to receive email alerts when supplier prices change.

There is no doubt that the current electricity market, similar to experiences with deregulation in the telephone market, will involve additional considerations by all Pennsylvania consumers for the near future. However, as providers compete to meet your household and business electricity needs, I am confident that lower prices and better service will be the inevitable long-term result. I look forward to working with all of you to make this process part of a better Pennsylvania for ourselves and our children.    

 

Contact:          Matt Moyer     (610) 366-2327

State Senator Pat Browne represents the 16th Senatorial District and serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.