Price changes coming to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, tips to keep electricity costs low

As the weather turns colder, more households and businesses are turning the heat up and the decorations on for the holidays.

However, this may lead to higher energy bills at the end of the month.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC) is sharing price changes that will be affecting electricity "Price To Compare" (PTC) on December 1, and tips on how to keep an energy bill low this season.

A PTC, according to an informational release from the PAPUC, is the price per kilowatt hour (kWh) that an electric company will charge to distribute. 

The electric distribution companies whose services are provided in Lawrence and Mercer counties experiencing changes are:

• Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn Power): 10.389 to 11.168 cents per kWh, 7.5% increase. 
• Duquesne Light Company: 11.85 to 10.85 cents per kWh, 8.4% decrease. 

Small businesses may also see PTC changes depending on service area. 

According to a press release, PTC increases in the FirstEnergy service territories (including Penn Power) can vary between 1% and 9%. Small businesses in the Duquesne Light Company service area may see a PTC decrease of more than 12%. 

PAPUC recommends that any customers looking to "shop around" for electric company changes use PAPowerSwitch.com.

"When asked, the competitive supplier also will provide you with a PTC, allowing you to make an apples-to-apples comparison on price for the generation portion of your bill," said PAPUC in the informational release. 

In addition to looking into different energy service providers, customers can follow these tips as well to lower energy costs:

• Adjust the thermostat. By lowering the temperature by 1 degree, you can save up to 3%. 
• Service the furnace. Cleaning filters and regular maintenance can improve efficiency. 
• Seal and insulate. Preventing drafts and weatherproofing can have a big impact on heat loss.
• Optimize ceiling fans. By using clockwise rotation, you can circulate warm air easier. 
• Adjust the water heater. Lowering the temperature can reduce costs. 

For any customers experiencing high energy bills as winter sets in, the PAPUC encourages them to call utilities. They note that direct conversations between customers and utilities are the best "first step" in addressing outstanding balances and discussing utility assistance programs.