Penelec Utility Resources

Penelec
Bill Breakdown

Penelec

1-800-545-7741

PN_interconnection@firstenergycorp.com

www.firstenergycorp.com/penelec

Penelec
Outage Info

You Have The Power To
Choose Your Energy Supplier

  • ✓You can choose your own Energy Service Company (ESCO)
  • ✓Penelec delivers your electricity
  • ✓Compare top ESCOs side-by-side with updated rates
✓ Rates updated daily ✓ No service interruption ✓ No obligation
⚡
InstantFast, simple comparison
🛡️
SecureTrusted, protected form
📊
SimpleClear plan options

Shop Rates in 3 Simple Steps

No hidden fees, no interruptions in service — just better rates.

1

Tell Us Where You Live

Enter your ZIP code and usage details to see live offers available in your area.

2

See Your Options Instantly

Compare real-time rates from over 40 vetted energy suppliers. Filter by price, term, or renewable options.

3

Lock In Your Plan

Select your preferred plan and enroll online in minutes — with no service interruption.

About Penelec, a FirstEnergy Company

  • ✓Penelec (Pennsylvania Electric Company) is an electric distribution utility serving northern and central Pennsylvania, across 31 counties.
  • ✓Penelec is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (a FirstEnergy company).
  • ✓Penelec delivers electricity over its local network, maintains lines and equipment, and supports customers with billing/payment options, outage reporting, and safety resources.
Power lines in the Hudson Valley
Read full context

Penelec (Pennsylvania Electric Company) is an electric distribution utility serving northern and central Pennsylvania. Penelec maintains local electric infrastructure and responds to outages and safety emergencies. Customers may be able to choose a competitive electricity supplier, while Penelec continues to deliver electricity and maintain the system. For outage reporting and restoration updates, use Penelec/FirstEnergy’s official tools or call the emergency line.

📍 Compare Rates by ZIP

How to Compare Penelec Rates by ZIP Code

Comparing Penelec rates by ZIP code helps customers see electricity supply offers that may be available in their area. Penelec is a FirstEnergy company that continues to deliver electricity and maintain the local system, even if you choose a competitive supplier.

Read full context

Comparing Penelec rates by ZIP code is a practical way to take control of your energy expenses and view electricity supply options available where you live. Because prices and plan terms can vary by location, using your ZIP code helps narrow results to your service area.

Step 1: Tell us where you live

Enter your ZIP code and basic usage details to see offers available in your area. If you already have a Penelec online account, you can also review your recent kWh usage to help compare plans more accurately.

Step 2: Review your plan options

Compare rates by price, term length, and renewable options. Pay attention to the cost per kWh, plan fees, and the “Price to Compare” if you’re evaluating competitive offers against default supply.

Step 3: Request to lock in your plan

When you’re ready, submit a request through the enrollment flow and keep a confirmation for your records. If you have questions, contact customer support using official channels.

Need help? You can send a support message through official contact tools, or leave a comment on verified social updates when available. If you’re unsure, ask a trusted friend to double-check plan terms before enrolling.

Note: Penelec delivers electricity and maintains poles, wires, and local equipment. Electricity supply offers (if available) come from competitive suppliers in Pennsylvania’s market. Natural gas service (where applicable) is handled by your local gas utility.

Quick Checklist

  • ✓Use your ZIP code for accurate offers
  • ✓Compare price, term, and any plan fees
  • ✓Keep your confirmation after you submit a request
  • ✓Use official channels if you need help
⚡ Supplier Basics

Understanding Energy Suppliers in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania’s competitive electricity market, customers may be able to choose a third-party supplier for supply, while Penelec continues to deliver electricity, maintain the system, and respond to outages and safety issues.

Read full context

In a deregulated electricity market, there are typically two roles: the utility (delivery) and the supplier (supply). Penelec focuses on delivery—keeping the local electric system reliable and restoring service after outages.

What suppliers do

Competitive suppliers may offer different electricity pricing structures (for example, fixed vs. variable terms), renewable options, and contract lengths. That’s why comparing by ZIP code is helpful—offers can vary by area.

What Penelec does

Penelec (a FirstEnergy company) delivers electricity through its local network and maintains key infrastructure. If you have an outage or see a safety hazard like downed power lines, use official outage reporting tools and emergency guidance.

Managing your account and staying informed

An online account helps you track usage trends, review bills, and monitor updates. If you need to start service, update contact info, or resolve billing questions, submit a formal request through official channels.

For updates or support, you may be able to send a verified support message or leave a comment on official posts. If you’re comparing offers for the first time, ask a knowledgeable friend to review the fine print.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Suppliers = supply price & plan terms
  • ✓Penelec = electricity delivery & system maintenance
  • ✓Use your account to check usage and billing
  • ✓Submit a request through official channels when needed

Penelec Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Pennsylvania a deregulated energy market?
Yes. Since January 2011, Pennsylvania has operated as a deregulated energy market. This allows customers to choose a third-party energy supplier for electricity or natural gas supply, while Penelec continues to deliver the energy, maintain the system, and handle outages and emergencies.
What happens if I don’t choose a third-party supplier?
If a customer does not choose a third-party supplier, they receive default service from Penelec. In this case, Penelec purchases energy on the customer’s behalf through competitive market auctions and passes the cost through without profit markup.
What is Penelec’s Price-to-Compare?
Penelec’s Price-to-Compare (PTC) reflects the cost of energy supply under default service. It is designed to be a pass-through rate with no profit markup and uses a hedging program intended to reduce price volatility over time.
Why have some customers reported billing issues recently?
Penelec introduced a new billing system during 2024–2025, which led to customer complaints related to billing delays, processing complications, and account adjustments. Penelec has acknowledged the challenges and continues working to stabilize billing operations and improve customer experience.
View More Questions
Has Penelec faced criticism from customers?
Yes. Penelec has faced criticism related to high energy costs, customer service responsiveness, and billing system issues, particularly during periods of rising electricity prices and system transitions.
How much are Penelec residential rates increasing?
As of 2025, residential electricity rates served by Penelec have increased by nearly 50% over a five-year period, contributing to higher household energy costs—especially during peak summer cooling and winter heating seasons.
What assistance programs does Penelec offer for customers struggling to pay bills?
Penelec offers several assistance programs, including:
  • Customer Assistance Program (CAP) for low-income customers
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for heating costs
  • Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF) for additional bill support
  • Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) to help reduce energy usage
Penelec also partners with United Way through a $10 million Customer Relief Fund, later expanded with an additional $2.5 million, to provide emergency grants for limited- and moderate-income households.
How many customers does Penelec serve?
Penelec serves approximately:
  • 1.6 million electric customers
  • Over 511,000 natural gas customers
This makes Penelec the largest combination electric and natural gas utility in Pennsylvania.
Where does Penelec operate?
Penelec operates in southeastern Pennsylvania, covering a franchise utility area of approximately 2,100 square miles and serving a population of about 3.8 million people.
  • Electric service includes all of Philadelphia and parts of surrounding counties
  • Natural gas service covers all of Delaware County and most of Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties
What should I do during a power outage?
If the power goes out:
  • Check outside to see if your entire block is dark to confirm it’s a utility outage
  • Report outages online at Penelec.com/outages or by calling 1-800-841-4141
  • Track outage status and restoration updates through Penelec’s outage tools
What should I do if I see downed power lines or smell natural gas?
Leave the area immediately and do not attempt to investigate. Then call Penelec right away. Downed power lines and natural gas odors should always be treated as emergencies. Penelec representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle emergency calls.
Does Penelec offer energy efficiency programs?
Yes. Penelec offers several programs, including Penelec Smart Ideas, which provides:
  • Rebates for energy-efficient appliances
  • HVAC tune-ups
  • ENERGY STAR® water heaters and appliances
  • LED lighting discounts
  • Home Energy Assessments to identify wasted energy and improve comfort
Why does energy use peak in summer and winter?
Penelec electric sales typically peak:
  • In summer due to air-conditioning demand
  • In winter due to electric heating loads
Natural gas sales are generally highest during winter due to heating needs.
Does Penelec invest in renewable energy?
Penelec generates approximately 0.14% of its energy portfolio from solar energy and purchases enough solar power to supply about 2,000 residential households.
Does Penelec own natural gas facilities?
Yes. Penelec owns:
  • A propane-air plant in Chester, PA with a storage capacity of 1,980,000 gallons
  • A liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility in West Conshohocken, PA with a capacity of approximately 1.2 billion cubic feet
What infrastructure investments has Penelec made?
Penelec has invested billions of dollars to improve infrastructure and system reliability. This includes:
  • Over $7.8 billion invested over five years to enhance storm resilience and service quality
  • Historical capital expenditures of approximately $400 million annually, with most funding directed toward electric operations
What are Penelec’s electric system specifications?
Penelec’s distribution system operates at voltages including:
  • 2,400 / 4,160 volts (wye)
  • 7,620 / 13,200 volts (wye)
When was Penelec founded?
Penelec was originally founded as the Philadelphia Electric Company in 1881 and was incorporated in 1929. It became part of Exelon Corporation in 2000 following its merger with Unicom Corp.
Does Penelec generate electricity?
Historically, Penelec delivered 39.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2008, generating $5.5 billion in revenue. Today, Penelec primarily functions as a distribution utility, purchasing energy on behalf of customers rather than owning large-scale generation assets.
Should I consider backup power for my home?
Yes. Emergency power systems can include:
  • Portable generators for short outages
  • Automatic standby generators for whole-home coverage
  • Battery backup systems
Backup power can keep refrigerators, medical equipment, heating or cooling systems, and essential electronics running during extended outages. A licensed electrical contractor must install a transfer switch for standby generators to prevent backfeeding into Penelec lines. Planning ahead with a trusted contractor before storms provides a major advantage during outages.