Bethlehem, PA is the seventh-largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and is known by many for its strong ties to the steel industry. Lying in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, this thriving Pennsylvania town, this city is the second most populated city in this popular area of the state.

Energy Deregulation in Bethlehem

Due to its location amongst the Lehigh Valley, energy prices in Bethlehem can vary greatly, depending on location. Fortunately for residents and business owners in the area, Bethlehem operates an entirely deregulated electrical market. This began in 2002 when the state officially passed House Bill 1509, deregulating nearly the entire state of Pennsylvania.

When deregulation came into effect, residents of Bethlehem were no longer required to receive their electricity from their area appointed utility. Instead, they were given the freedom to shop for rates from different providers in the area.

Bethlehem also makes it easy for residents seeking a more green electrical option to choose plans that include renewable energy resources. The city actually has one of the largest installations of solar panels in the state, providing many residents with the opportunity to find budget-friendly renewable energy supplies. The company AEP Energy is one of the leading suppliers of this type of green energy option to the area.

Bethlehem?s Electricity Providers

Before deregulation hit, Bethlehem, residents simply had to buy their energy from the state-appointed electric supplier. This meant that many area business owners and residents were actually overpaying for electricity. With deregulation in place, the market opened up and several new retailers came to the area providing unique buying options for those in the area.

Residents are able to shop for offers from companies such as TriEagle, Xoom and North American Power, as well as the green energy supplier AEP Energy.

While all of these independent retailers provide buying options for those living in Bethlehem, the city?s utility, PPL Electric still takes care of all of the city?s power lines, ensuring the safety and reliability of all energy options in Bethlehem.

History and Culture

Bethlehem?s history began in 1741, and the settlement quickly grew from a small community to a thriving town, thanks to its position along the Delaware River. In 1762, the city built the first water-works in the United States to pump water for public use.

The community was actually split up into separate boroughs falling the Civil War, and were eventually merged together to form a single city in 1917. During the war, this town was frequently visited by George Washington and his troops. Today, throughout Bethlehem, residents will find countless areas recognized under the National Register of Historic Places.

Starting in 1857, the city became home to the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, the second-largest steel producer in the United States. This company not only provided essential equipment during World War I and Word War II, but the company was instrumental in providing the steel needed to develop New York City skyscrapers.

Population

Home to more than 75,000 residents, downtown Bethlehem has become a popular place for those living in central Pennsylvania to settle down in. The greater Bethlehem area, is estimated to be more to more than 120,000 people.

This city is split up into four primary sections, central Bethlehem, the South Side, the East Side and the West Side. Each of these areas has their own unique personality and their own collection of individual neighborhoods. The variety within Bethlehem has earned the city a spot on Money Magazine?s ?Top 100 Best Places to Live.?