If you haven’t done so already, now might be a good time to switch your electricity supplier to save money on your energy bills. Consumer advocates are warning consumers to do their homework before making a move, though.
Pennsylvania’s deregulation of the energy industry opened the door for alternative electric suppliers to offer consumers a wide variety of plans and rates. The state’s own website called PA Power Switch makes it easy to browse these options. All you need to do is enter your zip code on the site and you will be shown a list of available electricity suppliers in your area along with their plans and rates.
But the site has its limitations. For example, the public utility commission allows any licensed provider to post their rates on PA Power Switch, regardless of whether they have a good reputation or not. Consumers also should know that just because a plan is listed on the site doesn’t mean it will be the lowest rate for them. It’s best to look at the per-kilowatt-hour price that is quoted and compare it with a few other plans before making a decision.
When choosing an energy company, consumers should also consider the terms and conditions of their contract. Some plans may have hidden fees, or their pricing structure could change over the course of a contract term. These conditions can lead to unexpected financial burdens for consumers.
Another important aspect to consider is customer service. Consumers should read reviews online and ask for references from potential suppliers before making a final decision. If a supplier has a history of poor customer service, consumers should choose another option.
In addition to the state’s own site, there are several other sites that allow consumers to browse different energy providers and their prices. These include Choose Energy, ElectricRate and Inspire. All of these websites provide a comprehensive list of providers and their plans to help consumers find the right fit. They also highlight any extra fees that might be included in a contract with the supplier.
The site pa electric suppliers is the easiest way for residential and small business customers to shop for an electricity supplier in their area. The website offers a step-by-step guide for residents on how to get started. All you need to do is enter your address and click on “Find Suppliers”. You can then see the list of available suppliers and their energy plans. The site also provides details on the main components of energy rates, such as generation, transmission and distribution. The site also offers insights into what to look for in an electricity supplier and discusses the rights and protections that all power consumers have under state law. The site has its limitations, however, and those who want the most reputable suppliers and lowest rates should do more research on their own.