Northwestern Rural Electric electricity rates
Reviewed by the Volt Butler editorial team • Updated June 2026 • EIA Form 861 data (2024)
Rural communities in Crawford, Erie, and Mercer counties in northwestern Pennsylvania
15.58¢/kWh
Average residential rate
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Form EIA-861
Rate breakdown by sector
2024 EIA-861 data for Northwestern Rural Electric
Residential
15.58¢/kWh
18K customers
195K MWh
Commercial
14.52¢/kWh
1K customers
43K MWh
Industrial
10.21¢/kWh
3 customers
11K MWh
All sectors
15.16¢/kWh
20K total
249K MWh
41%
of PA households have shopped for a competitive supplier
Source: PA PUC Office of Consumer Advocate
100+
PUC-licensed residential suppliers in PA
Active suppliers accepting new customers
1-2
billing cycles to switch suppliers
No service interruption during switch
How Northwestern Rural Electric compares to PA average
Northwestern Rural Electric residential customers pay 15.58¢/kWh. That's 12.6% lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 17.83¢/kWh.
Northwestern Rural Electric: 15.58 cents per kilowatt hour
Pennsylvania Average: 17.83 cents per kilowatt hour
PA state average and utility rate are both 2024 annual data from the EIA.
How Northwestern Rural Electric compares to other PA utilities
2024 residential rates for major Pennsylvania utilities
Pennsylvania utility residential rate comparison:
- Duquesne Light: 21.74 cents per kilowatt hour
- UGI Utilities: 18.93 cents per kilowatt hour
- FirstEnergy Pennsylvania: 17.37 cents per kilowatt hour
- PPL Electric: 16.99 cents per kilowatt hour
- PECO Energy: 16.16 cents per kilowatt hour
- Northwestern Rural Electric: 15.58 cents per kilowatt hour (current utility)
Source: EIA Form 861 2024 data. Rates shown are annual averages.
Rate history
How Northwestern Rural Electric residential rates have changed over time
15.58¢/kWh
2024
Only one year of EIA-861 data available. Historical trends will display as more years are ingested.
How electricity choice works in Northwestern Rural Electric territory
Pennsylvania is a deregulated electricity state. That means you can choose who generates your electricity while Northwestern Rural Electric continues to deliver it through the existing power lines.
If you've never switched suppliers, you're on Northwestern Rural Electric's "default service" rate—also called the "Price to Compare." This rate is set through a regulatory process and changes periodically. Licensed suppliers compete for your business and may offer rates below the default.
Northwestern Rural Electric remains your utility regardless of which supplier you choose. They maintain the wires, handle outages, and send your bill. The only difference is a line item showing your supplier's generation charge instead of Northwestern Rural Electric's default rate.
Northwestern Rural Electric service territory
Northwestern Rural Electric provides electric distribution service to Rural communities in Crawford, Erie, and Mercer counties in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Not sure if you're in Northwestern Rural Electric territory? Check your current electric bill—your utility name appears at the top. You can also enter your ZIP code on our homepage to see which utility serves your address.
How to switch suppliers
Find your account info
Grab your Northwestern Rural Electric bill. You'll need your account number and possibly your meter number to complete the switch.
Compare supplier rates
Review offers from PUC-licensed suppliers. Look at the rate, term length, and any early termination fees before choosing.
Enroll with your new supplier
Sign up online with your chosen supplier. The switch happens automatically within 1-2 billing cycles with no service interruption.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I still receive a bill from Northwestern Rural Electric?
- Yes. Northwestern Rural Electric remains your utility and continues to bill you for delivery charges and your supplier's generation charge. You won't receive a separate bill from your supplier in most cases.
- What happens if there's a power outage?
- Northwestern Rural Electric handles all outage response and restoration regardless of your electricity supplier. Report outages directly to Northwestern Rural Electric.
- What's the current Price to Compare for Northwestern Rural Electric?
- The Price to Compare (PTC) changes periodically and varies by rate class. Check your most recent Northwestern Rural Electric bill or visit the Pennsylvania PUC's PAPowerSwitch website for current rates.
- Can I switch back to Northwestern Rural Electric's default rate?
- Yes, you can return to Northwestern Rural Electric's default service at any time. Check your supplier contract for any early termination fees that may apply.
- Is there a fee to switch suppliers?
- Northwestern Rural Electric does not charge a fee to switch suppliers. However, if you're currently under contract with a supplier, they may charge an early termination fee. Always review your contract terms.
Related guides
Pennsylvania Price to Compare Explained
What the PTC is and how to use it when shopping
PA Power Switch Guide
Step-by-step walkthrough of the official PUC tool
PA Electricity Deregulation Explained
How the deregulated market works and what it means for you
How to Switch Suppliers in PA
Complete guide to switching providers in Pennsylvania
Ready to compare rates in Northwestern Rural Electric territory?
Enter your ZIP code to see available suppliers and current rates for your area.
Free comparison • PUC-licensed suppliers • EIA-cited data