The Story of Energy Deregulation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was one of the first states to consider the deregulation of their energy sources. And it all started in 1994 when the Public Utilities Commission wanted to know how deregulation could affect the market. Prior to electricity deregulation, the state’s consumers paid $10 billion in electricity per year. The resulting energy deregulation act saved consumers $1.5 billion each year.
By 1996, the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act was passed, and it introduced market competition for energy in the state. When the Act was first passed, it included a rate cap provision that aimed to protect the consumers from market volatility which was in effect until 2011. During this time, The state legislature removed the rate cap in the individual utility regions, thereby encouraging competition.
Pennsylvania deregulated electricity in 1999, and in that same year, it passed the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act, which allowed residents to choose their gas provider. In 2010, PPL was the first to remove its caps, followed by PECO. Now, none of the primary energy suppliers have cost caps, with is better for the consumer.
Today, residents and business owners in Pennsylvania can choose their energy and gas provider to suit their needs and budgets. They can also choose to get their power directly from the utility provider, but it would be higher than retailers.
Quick Facts About Energy in Pennsylvania
- First to embrace deregulation. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to recognize the potential of having deregulated energy in the state.
- RGGI Observer. The state of Pennsylvania is an observer of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Being an observer and not a formal member of the initiative, they are not required to follow the goals of the other ten Northeastern states that are members.
- Renewal power. Utilities in Pennsylvania are required to produce a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources.
- Renewable fuel mixed with diesel. Other states with deregulated energy require their gasoline to be mixed with ethanol. In Pennsylvania, diesel is required to be mixed with two percent biodiesel.
- Automobile fuel economy standard. Similar to the laws in California, Pennsylvania requires all new vehicles to meet an energy efficiency standard in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Providers in Pennsylvania
Metropolitan Edison
More popularly known as Met-Ed, it’s part of First Energy Corp and is responsible for electricity service in Pennsylvania’s southern and southeastern regions.
Address: 800 Cabin Hill Dr, Greensburg, PA 15601
Contact: (888) 544-4877
Penn Power
Penn Power is affiliated with First Energy company, one of the largest providers in the state.
Address: 8330 State Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19136
Contact: (215) 335-5010
West Penn Power
Also affiliated with First energy company, it is responsible for providing power to residents and businesses in Pennsylvania’s southwestern, north-central and southern borders.
Address: 800 Cabin Hill Dr, Greensburg, PA 15601
Contact: (800) 686-0021
PECO
PECO is one of the largest utility providers in Pennsylvania. And they provide gas and electricity to residents of the southeastern part of the state.
Address: 2301 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Contact: (800) 494-4000
PPL
Previously called Pennsylvania Power and Light, PPL now serves 29 central and eastern Pennsylvania counties.
Address: 827 Hausman Rd, Allentown, PA 18104
Contact: (800) 342-5775
Duquesne Light
The power utility company responsible for providing light and electricity to the people of southwestern Pennsylvania
Address: 2515 Preble Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Contact: (888) 393-7100
Columbia Gas
Residents of southwestern Pennsylvania get their power from Columbia Gas.
Address: 350 Kentucky Ave, Rochester, PA 15074
Contact: (888) 460-4332
National Fuel
This multi-state company provides gas to residents of Northwestern Pennsylvania. They also provide service to the city of Erie and Sharon.
Address: 15831 Rte 322, Clarion, PA 16214
Contact: (800) 365-3234
People’s Natural Gas
This is a gas-only company and delivers gas to the residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Address: 375 N Shore Dr #600, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Contact: (800) 764-0111
UGI Gas
This company provides natural gas to over 10 counties in Eastern Pennsylvania, with an affiliate called UGI Penn Natural Gas.
Address: 225 Morgantown Rd, Reading, PA 19611
Contact: (800) 276-2722
UGI Electric
This is the source of power for residents and businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania, affiliated with UGI Central Penn, serving the central part f the state.
Address: 1 UGI Ctr # A, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Contact: (570) 830-1238
Map of US Energy Deregulation
Pennsylvania is one of 26 US States that have some form of energy deregulation whether it be electricity, natural gas or both. Use our interactive map to get more information on deregulated energy states in America.