Erie is currently the fourth largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, providing a quainthome to more than 102,000 area residents. Named after the Great Leak of the same name, this waterfront town not only provides a quaint retreat for area residents but is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.

Electricity Deregulation

Fortunately for residents of the greater Erie area, those living in this community now have the power to choose where their electricity comes from thanks to the Pennsylvania electrical deregulation act. Energy deregulation officially hit the state in 2002 when House Bill 1509 was passed.

Several cities in Pennsylvania, including Erie officially became deregulated, meaning residents no longer had to use the state-appointed electrical utility, but instead could choose from local area suppliers.

For Erie residents this meant the ability to shop for different plans and rates from local retail suppliers and the option to choose features such as short-term plans, fixed rate plans, variable rate plans or to simply shop around for the lowest rates possible.

Erie?s deregulated market also opened up new opportunities for residents to shop for electrical plans that use energy from renewable resources. The strong winds that come from Lake Erie, make this Pennsylvania city an ideal candidate to use renewable wind power, meaning there are plenty of green options for those who call this city home. Now, those who want to use more green energy in their home or businesses have the option to choose a plan that only uses renewable resources.

Erie?s Electricity Providers

Business and residential property owners throughout Erie who want to save on their monthly energy bills can shop for rates from local area retail suppliers. There is still a state-appointed utility in Erie, Penelec, that maintains all service lines and does provide electricity to many in the city.

However, those who wish to explore their options beyond Penelec can find retail providers such as Xoom, Constellation and TriEagle all serve Erie residents and provide them with different plan options on their monthly energy bills. For those that are focused on green energy options in Erie, AEP Energy has become one of the city?s leading providers of renewable energy resources.

History and Culture

The history of Erie began back in the 1700s, when the French constructed Fort Presque Isle in an effort to defend France against the British. This fort and the surrounding park still pays homage to the area?s significance during the war.

Erie earned the nickname the ?Flagship City? because it was the home port of Oliver Hazard Perry?s flagship Niagara. Eventually the city began to grow, and thanks to the presence of the Presque Isle, the community began to grow and attract vacationers from all over the state.

Today, the city is still known mainly for its strong tourism industry, this is thanks in most parts to Presque Isle State Park, the lakefront beaches, Presque Isle Bay and attractions like a casino and horse racetrack.

Population

The greater Erie metropolitan area consists of nearly 300,000 residents. The city is also the seat of government for Erie County. This includes surrounding communities such as Northwest Harborcreek, Lawrence Park and Wesleyville.

Erie?s location has made the lakefront town a popular place for area residents to settle down in. The town is located near Cleveland, New York Buffalo and other Pennsylvania cities such as Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. Energy Deregulation in Erie

Thanks to its northern location within the state of Pennsylvania, Erie is known for its cold winters, meaning its energy needs in this area can be quite demanding. Rates in the area can also vary quite dramatically, depending on location.