We enjoy the advantage of being able to choose our desired electric provider in the Pennsylvania deregulated electricity market. In order to leverage this advantage to its optimum potential, you will want to apply some smart comparison shopping strategies.

By applying sound tactics and tools, such as those found in this easy-to-follow electricity shopping guide, switching PA power companies for the maximum benefit is simple.

Calculate Your Current Cost

Before you start shopping, you’ll need an accurate baseline by which to compare competitors’ offerings. You’ll need your most recent electricity bill in order to determine the amount you currently pay for electricity. Document the amount, which will usually appear as a rate per kilowatt-hour, such as “10.1/kwh” , meaning 10.1 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Some Terms to Learn

Once you’ve established your current cost for electricity, it’s time to learn a few key terms that will serve as useful knowledge when you start shopping. Here is a brief glossary of terminology you are likely to encounter while searching:

EGS:  Stands for “Electric Generation Supplier”. The EGS is the company that supplies your electricity, similar to the way a phone company provides wireless phone service. During your search, you’ll be comparing different EGS companies to find the best one for you.

EDC:  Stands for “Electric Distribution Company”. Also commonly called the ‘utility’ or ‘poles and wires’ company, the EDC is responsible for the actual transmission of the electricity to your home or business. You can choose to sign up with an EDC for electricity service, but if you use an EGS, you will still see charges from the EDC on your electric bill in the form of “delivery” or “transmission” fees, among others.

PTC:  Stands for “Price to Compare”. This is the primary focus of your comparison shopping experience. The ‘PTC’ can typically be found on your electric bill and it notates the cost of electricity charged by the distributor, in price per kilowatt hour. Using the PTC as a guide, you can make an apples-to-apples comparison of each electric supplier by their pricing.

Prepare Great Questions

By now, you’ve pinpointed your comparison price, and you’re familiar with a few ins and outs of how the different electricity companies operate. If you’ve already narrowed down your selection, you may still want to contact some of your choice candidates and ‘interview’ them with some key questions.

In the list below, we’ve highlighted a few of the primary questions you should consider asking your prospective providers:

  • What is the current “Price to Compare” and how long will it last?
  • What is the length of the agreement, and other terms and conditions?
  • What steps must I take to switch over from my existing supplier?
  • What, if any, is the penalty for terminating an agreement before the term ends?
  • Are there any budget-billing plans available for me?

Of course this is not an entirely exhaustive list, and you may still have other questions of your own that are unique to your situation. However, these are great questions to ask to get you started. Also, many of your questions can be answered by contacting an Electric Choice energy consultant, who will offer you free, expert and unbiased advice.

Try Our Online Comparison Tool

When you’re ready to choose an electric provider and sign up for service, you can use an online resource for final comparisons and setting up the electricity service.

The best option is to use the Electric Choice Shopping Tool, as it is the most comprehensive electricity shopping tool. Not only can you sort and compare available providers in your area for the best possible rate, but you will also never have to worry about outdated rates. Just enter your zip code and you can instantly compare EGS companies and sign up for service.

Electric Choice is a trusted tool in part because all of the pricing you see is the latest possible rates available at that time. Furthermore, Electric Choice staffs electricity consulting experts, with whom you can chat online or over the phone to get any of your questions or conerns answered.