The Pennsylvania Utilities Commission is warning consumers of higher electric rates on June 1st.
West Penn Power’s “price to compare” is going up by about 45%. The typical West Penn customer will see a bill that's 25% higher.
For Penn Power customers the estimate is 23%. Duquesne Light's rate hike is still being calculated.
What's behind the higher utility costs? Shifts in supply and demand for natural gas.
The PUC states that due to upcoming price changes, combined with the summer months on the horizon, they recommend looking into alternatives when it comes to energy.
Here is the breakdown of the “price to compare” changes for residential customers:
Citizens’ Electric, up from 7.3995 cents to 9.3667 cents per kWh (26.6%);
Met-Ed, up from 6.832 cents to 7.936 cents per kWh (16.1%);
Penelec, up from 6.232 cents to 8.443 cents per kWh (35.4%);
Penn Power, up from 7.082 cents to 8.694 cents per kWh (22.7%);
PPL, up from 8.941 cents to 12.366 cents per kWh (38.3%);
Wellsboro Electric, up from 7.7569 cents to 9.592 cents per kWh (23.7%); and
West Penn Power, up from 5.667 cents to 8.198 cents per kWh (44.6%)
When it comes to small businesses, the default service rates are increasing in the range of 20.8% to 55.6% in West Penn Power’s coverage area.
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