For most Pennsylvanians, higher power rates are in effect today, December 1.
Duquesne Light customers are seeing a 10 percent jump.
Penn Power and West Penn rates are up about six percent.
It’s part of the semi-annual adjustments that happen each June and December 1.
The jump is, in part, due to the rising cost of natural gas prices. That makes generating power more expensive.
Natural gas is being used more across the globe, prompting a higher demand.
Nils Hagen-Frederiksen with the Public Utility Commission says higher electricity bills will arrive next month.
“Now’s the time to think about efficiency and conservation and how you might be able to make more efficient use of your energy during the course of the month,” said Hagen-Frederiksen.
Things like turning off the lights when you leave a room, and making sure your heating and ventilating system is well-maintained.
If you shop around for suppliers, make sure you pay attention to the duration of contract because your monthly price could skyrocket after it ends.