How to Switch Electricity Suppliers in Pennsylvania

The short version

Switching suppliers in Pennsylvania is administrative, not technical. No one comes to your house. Your wires don't change. Your power doesn't go out. You simply choose a new company to supply the generation portion of your electricity, and your utility handles the rest.

The entire process typically takes 1-2 billing cycles (30-60 days) from enrollment to your new rate appearing on your bill. During that time, your service continues normally. The only change you'll notice is a different supplier name and rate on your bill once the switch completes.

What you need before you start

Before shopping for a new supplier, gather the following:

• A recent electricity bill. This shows your utility account number, service address, current rate, and Price to Compare. Having the bill in front of you makes enrollment faster.
• Your utility account number.This is different from your meter number. It's how the utility identifies your account. You'll enter this when enrolling with a new supplier.
• Your Price to Compare (PTC). This is your benchmark for evaluating offers. Any supplier rate below your PTC saves you money on generation; any rate above it costs more. Find it on your bill or at PA Power Switch.
• Knowledge of your current contract terms.If you're already with a competitive supplier, check whether you have an early termination fee. If you're on your utility's default service, there's no contract to worry about.

Step-by-step: how to switch suppliers

Step 1: Find your Price to Compare

Your PTC is the rate you'd pay for generation if you stay on your utility's default service. It's your benchmark. Look for it on your bill in a box labeled "Price to Compare" or check PA Power Switch. Write it down.

Step 2: Compare supplier offers

Visit PA Power Switch and enter your ZIP code. The site shows current offers from participating suppliers for your utility territory. Look at:

• The rate per kWh compared to your PTC
• Whether the rate is fixed or variable
• The contract term (month-to-month, 6 months, 12 months, etc.)
• Any early termination fees
• Whether the plan includes renewable energy

Step 3: Review the contract terms carefully

Before enrolling, read the supplier's disclosure statement. Pennsylvania requires standardized disclosures that spell out:

• The generation rate and how it's calculated
• The contract length
• What happens when the contract ends (auto-renewal terms)
• Early termination fees, if any
• How to cancel

Pay particular attention to what happens at the end of the initial term. Some contracts auto-renew at a different (often higher) rate. Some switch to variable pricing. Know what you're agreeing to.

Step 4: Enroll with your chosen supplier

Once you've chosen a supplier, complete the enrollment process. You can typically enroll:

• Online through the supplier's website
• By phone
• Through a licensed broker or aggregator

You'll provide your utility account number, service address, and agree to the contract terms. The supplier handles notifying your utility—you don't need to call PECO, PPL, or whoever your utility is.

Step 5: Receive confirmation

After enrolling, you'll receive confirmation from the supplier. You may also receive a letter from your utility acknowledging the switch. Pennsylvania law gives you a 3-business-day right to cancel new contracts without penalty if you change your mind.

Step 6: Wait for the switch to complete

The switch takes 1-2 billing cycles to process. During this time, your service continues normally at your current rate. You don't need to do anything else. The new rate will appear on your bill once the switch is complete.

What changes on your bill

When you switch suppliers, one thing changes on your bill: the generation charge. Instead of paying your utility's Price to Compare for generation, you pay your supplier's rate.

Everything else stays the same:

• Delivery charges.Your utility still delivers electricity to your home and charges for transmission and distribution. This doesn't change.
• The utility on your bill.You still receive one bill from your utility in most cases. The supplier's charge appears as a line item on that bill, or the supplier bills you separately (depending on the arrangement).
• Outage response. Your utility still handles outages and repairs. They own the wires. If your power goes out, you call your utility, not your supplier.
• Meter reading. Your utility still reads your meter and calculates your usage.

What does NOT change

This is worth repeating, because it's the most common point of confusion:

• Your wires. The same poles and wires deliver your electricity. Nothing physical changes.
• Your utility. You remain a customer of PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light, or whoever serves your area. They still handle delivery, outages, and billing.
• Service reliability.Your power doesn't become less reliable because you switched suppliers. The electrons are the same. The grid is the same. Reliability is a function of the utility's infrastructure, not the supplier.
• Emergency response. Call your utility for outages and emergencies, not your supplier. The supplier sells you generation; the utility handles everything else.

How to switch back or switch again

You can switch suppliers as often as you like, subject to any contract terms.

Switching back to default service

To return to your utility's default service, contact your current supplier to cancel (or let your contract expire). Your utility will automatically enroll you in default service at the current Price to Compare. There's no fee from the utility to return—but check whether your supplier charges an early termination fee.

Switching to a different supplier

You can switch directly from one supplier to another. Enroll with the new supplier, and they'll handle the transition. Again, watch for early termination fees from your current supplier.

When your contract ends

Pay attention to contract end dates. Some contracts auto-renew at a different rate. Others switch to variable pricing. Some suppliers will notify you before renewal; others won't. Set a calendar reminder to review your options before your contract ends.

Common mistakes to avoid

Ignoring the contract end date

Many customers sign up for a 12-month fixed rate, forget about it, and end up on a higher variable rate when the contract expires. Mark your calendar. Review your options before the contract ends.

Missing teaser rate expiration

Some suppliers offer an introductory rate that increases after a few months. Read the disclosure carefully. If the rate jumps after month three, calculate whether the overall deal still beats your PTC.

Not understanding early termination fees

Fixed-rate contracts often include early termination fees (ETFs), typically ranging from $50 to $200 or more. If you might move, if the PTC drops significantly, or if you simply like flexibility, consider a month-to-month or shorter-term plan even if the rate is slightly higher.

Comparing apples to oranges

Your PTC is a generation-only rate. Some suppliers quote "all-in" rates that include other charges. Make sure you're comparing generation to generation. Ask for the generation rate specifically if the offer isn't clear.

Chasing the lowest rate without reading the terms

The lowest advertised rate isn't always the best deal. A variable rate that's low today can spike next month. A fixed rate with a $200 ETF locks you in even if better options emerge. The lowest rate on PA Power Switch may have terms that don't suit your situation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to switch electricity suppliers in Pennsylvania?

Switching typically takes 1-2 billing cycles (30-60 days) to complete. Your service continues uninterrupted during this time. You'll continue paying your current rate until the switch takes effect.

Will my power go out when I switch suppliers?

No. There is no service interruption when switching suppliers. Your utility continues to deliver electricity through the same wires. Only the generation charge on your bill changes.

Can I switch back to my utility's default service?

Yes. You can return to default service at any time by canceling with your supplier. If you're under a fixed-rate contract, you may owe an early termination fee. Once you're back on default service, you'll pay the current Price to Compare.

Do I need to contact my utility to switch suppliers?

No. When you enroll with a new supplier, they notify your utility. You don't need to call your utility or submit any paperwork.

What information do I need to switch suppliers?

You'll need your utility account number, your service address, and the name on the account. Having a recent bill handy makes the process faster.

Is there a fee to switch electricity suppliers?

There's no fee to switch to a new supplier. However, if you're leaving a fixed-rate contract early, your current supplier may charge an early termination fee. Check your contract terms.