ELECTRIC CHOICE HELP

www.papowerswitch.com - Public Utility Commission - Electric Choice listings of energy providers
www.oca.state.pa.us - The Pennsylvania of Consumer Advocate

PowerPoints on Electric Choice 
http://www.oca.state.pa.us/Industry/Electric/elecstats/Stats1010.pdf PCA Electric Shopping Statistics PowerPoint, October 1, 2010 by Consumer Advocate, Sonny Popowsky
 
Energy Efficiency Improvements and Rebates
www.peco.com/smartideas - PECO- Access energy efficiency programs and rebates

http://www.pennfuture.org/ - Penn Future News- Information about Energy and the Environment in PA

http://www.eia.doe.gov/ - DOE- Energy Information Administration, comprehensive energy information.

http://www.ieer.org/index.html - The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research

http://www.global-change.com/  - Convergence of energy and environmental financial markets.

www.pgworks.com/LIHEAP - Grants, eligibility and application locations have changed this season, check

http://www.iclei.org/us/index.html - Int'l Council for Local Environmental Issues-Energy & Weatherization

http://www.futuresource.com/ - Future Source. Energy Fuel Investment and Futures Guide.

http://www.fuelingthefuture.org - Information about Natural Gas and New Technologies.

http://www.energycentral.com/ - Energy Central. News and info in the Electric fields.

http://www.pjm.com - Smart Grid  Open Systems Applications, devices and Architecture

http://www.pjm.com - Training for: Transmission, Interconnection, Smart Grid, BERC & ATSI Integration

http://www.eren.doe.gov/- Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy .

http://www.awea.org/default.htm - The American Wind Energy Association

http://www.electricnet.com/content/homepage/ - Electric products and Information

http://www.aceee.org/altsites/index.htm - American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

http://www.worldenergyonline.com/ - World Energy Online.

http://www.utilityguide.com/ - Find Electric Power Utility Options by State and Service Area.

http://www.wattagemonitor.com/ - Find Electric Power Utility Options by State and Service Area.

http://www.edf.org/programs/Energy/green_power/d_sources.html - Energy Defense Organization provides green resources

ELECTRIC ENERGY PROVIDERS
PECO Service Area

                              
                       PA PowerSwitch Can Help You Choose an Energy Supplier

by Gail McMaster
Harrisburg, January 2011 - The Public Utility Commission has set up a special website to make sure that Pennsylvania residents have the tools and information to help them choose a new electric supplier in the new competive electric and gas utility market where you can shop, switch and save.

It is time to learn how to shop for electric and gas supplier price, features, benefits and contract terms just as consumers do for anything that we purchase.  So where do you start?  You should become familiar with the new vocabulary and terms and "go to school" on energy efficiency.

Comparing electric service providers means understanding each licenced supplier's offerings such as the supplier's  "Price to Compare," contract lengths, cancellation fees, monthly charges and what kind of  energy supply they offer.

 Start by understanding the difference between an electric distribution company like PECO and PPL just distribute the electric on the electric utility lines, charge a distribution fee and handle your electric billing.  Electric Suppliers generate the electric you purchase and charge different amounts per kilowatt hour (kWh.)  When you switch electric suppliers, your distribution company remains the same and they will continue to handle your billing!


When you choose a new electric supplier, you will need a "Price to Compare" to make your selection which is the price that your current utility supplier (PECO or PPL)  charges per kilowatt hour  (kWh) for electric and then compare that price to the new supplier price per kWh.  

For example, if a new supplier charges $0.08 per kWh and your existing supplier charges $0.09 per kWh, you save $0.01 per kWh and if you use 1000 kWh per month, then you will save $10.00 per month and $120.00 per year. 

You have to compare contract terms as some contracts have variable rates and others offer fixed rate charges per kWh. The contract lengths vary between short term lengths of 3 months offered by some suppliers to others that are offering 1 year, 2 years and even 3 year terms at a fixed price. 

Learn to look below the surface of any electric supplier company that calls your home or knocks at your door.  The contracts vary in price per kWh, Fixed or Variable price and Contract length and they also differ by which companies have cancellation fees, monthly fee and which companies offer renewable energy supply like solar and or wind.

We will continue to update you on electric energy deregulation and in the meantime, check your home energy use, reduce your home energy use, check the chart above and check the PUC's PAPowerSwitch site, The Better Business Bureau, visit each company's website!