Decisions, Decisions

Learn Your Options When Choosing Power Company

By SUE ANN RYBAK

Correspondent

Only about ten people braved the snow to attend the Community Energy Workshop held at Calvary Church, 5020 Pulaski Avenue on January 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  But those who did were rewarded with valuable information regarding the recent changes in PECO’s electric delivery rates.

As of Jan. 1, the prices of electricity and gas are being based on market prices. For the last ten years, electricity prices were capped to protect customers during deregulation.

What does this mean for PECO customers? A higher electric bill. Prices for residential customers are expected to increase about five percent, according to PECO. On average, this is about $5 a month for most customers.

Under the Electricity Generation and Customer Choice and Competition Act, Pennsylvanians can choose the electrical company that generates their electricity. Before deregulation, electric utility companies - like PECO -  provided the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.  Consumers had no choice but to buy their electricity from the monopoly in their region. Now, consumers can shop for the generation portion of their electricity.

So, how do you decide which electric company is right for you?

PECO recommends you go to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission web site. After you click on “Shop for Electricity,” it will ask you to enter your zip code. Then you select your rate schedule. It is listed on your bill. There are 21 suppliers in the Germantown area. PECO’s current variable rate is 9.92 cents per kilowatt hour. This is the price to compare.

If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call the Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate at 1-800-494-4000 to obtain a buying guide.

You may be asking why PECO recommending its customers shop around for the best electric company provider.

“We want you to be an educated consumer,” said Alan Butler, a PECO energy educator, at the Jan. 8.

Changes in the market have “transformed PECO from a company that made electricity” to one that “purchases electricity and delivers electricity,” according to PECO.

Thus, said Butler, PECO is now a distribution company. No matter which company you buy your electricity from, PECO will still be your distributor. If there is an outrage or other emergency, you still call PECO, he said. 

There are some simple steps you can take to help you save money on your next electric bill.  We all grew up hearing “turn off that light when you leave the room” but now the saying is “unplug that.” Why?

“There are certain appliances in your house that even when they are turned off still use electricity,” said Nancy Baulis, a PECO Energy Educator.  “Anything that uses a remote control to be turned on is using electricity.”

Such home energy vampires include phone chargers, laptop computers, coffee machines, computer games and toaster ovens. The average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode), according to the United States Department of Energy.

Baulis suggested using a power strip with an on and off switch.

Marcia White, a mother of two teenagers, said she recruits her kids to help save energy. “Everyone has to unplug appliances that are not being used,” she said.  “Simple things like unplugging the coffee maker can help save money and help the environment.”

Even five dollars saved per month matters in this economy. PECO’s Smart Ideas program helps customers save money with rebates, cash incentives and energy saving tips.

In addition, PECO has several programs available to low- and fixed-income customers. They include:

* The Customer Assistance Program (CAP), a discounted rate for low-income customers.  For information call 1-800-774-7040.

* Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which is a federal program to help low-income customers manage their energy costs and ensure service during the heating season.  Call 1-800-34-HELP-4.

* Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), a federal program that provides year-round conservation and weatherization assistance for qualified households.  Call 1-800-675-0222.

Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF), a program funded by donations and matched dollar-for-dollar by PECO for up to $1,000 in total assistance for those who qualify. Call 1-800-403-6806.

Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) is areferral and information service designed to assist customers who have temporary personal or financial hardships that prevent the payment of their utility bill.  Call 1-800-774-7040