The PUC is cautioning consumers that those record-setting usage levels will soon be reflected in monthly electric bills.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a large household, increased power use from air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, and other cooling tools will likely show up as higher-than-normal charges.
In response, the PUC is urging all Pennsylvanians to explore #SaveInPA strategies to manage energy costs, especially for vulnerable or financially struggling households.
Usage Drives Your Bill – Review It Carefully
The amount of electricity you use is one of the biggest factors in your monthly utility bill — often accounting for two-thirds or more of the total cost.
Even if your rate hasn’t changed, increased energy usage during heat waves can lead to sticker shock when bills arrive.
The PUC encourages every consumer to--
-- Review your bill carefully, especially the sections detailing monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage and current energy supply rates.
-- If you use a competitive energy supplier, check contract expiration dates and rate terms.
-- Understand your options and responsibilities if your contract has expired or is approaching renewal.
For energy shopping tools and usage tips, visit PAPowerSwitch.com.
If You're Struggling – #CallUtilitiesNow
The PUC strongly encourages any household or small business struggling with high bills or past-due balances to call their utility now and ask about available assistance programs.
Waiting can lead to larger balances and fewer options.
Utility customer service teams can--
-- Explain Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) for income-qualified consumers.
-- Provide referrals for LIHEAP and other national or local aid.
-- Discuss eligibility for hardship fund support through nonprofit partnerships.
-- Explore other affordability options, like budget billing or payment plans that can help address financial needs.
Each major utility has trained staff ready to help customers navigate these programs. If you cannot resolve your issue directly with your utility, contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.
Consumers may also call Pennsylvania’s 211 system (Dial 211 or visit www.pa211.org) for help with utilities, housing, food, and more.
Energy Conservation Still Matters
Even though some of the hottest days may have passed, summer isn’t over.
Households can still take simple, effective steps to reduce usage and control costs, including--
-- Raise your thermostat a few degrees and use fans to circulate air.
-- Limit appliance use during peak hours (5–7 PM).
-- Close blinds or curtains during sunny hours.
-- Avoid unnecessary lighting or electronics that generate extra heat.
-- Seal windows and doors to keep cool air inside.
Many more tips are available at www.PAPowerSwitch.com.
Ongoing Outreach to Keep Pennsylvania Connected
This effort is part of the PUC’s broader #SaveInPA campaign — focused on helping Pennsylvania households and small businesses better understand energy usage, manage bills, and stay connected to essential utility services.
The Commission will continue highlighting steps consumers can take, especially as weather conditions, energy prices, and household needs evolve throughout the year.
Click Here for the PUC announcement.
PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:
-- PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - July 19 to 25 - More Criminal Charges; Weeks Long Wastewater Cleanups Continue; 27 More Abandoned Conventional Wells [PaEN]
-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - July 26 [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Water Quality Permits For Daylighting 5.33 Miles Of 4 Texas Eastern Natural Gas Pipelines To Allow For Longwall Coal Mining In Greene County [PaEN]
-- DEP Posted 78 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In July 26 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
-- Guest Essay: Rewriting The Energy Story — Together - By Stephen M. DeFrank, Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission [PaEN]
-- Attorney General Sunday Files Criminal Charges Against Equitrans For 2022 Leak Of 1.1 Billion Cubic Feet Of Natural Gas From Its Rager Mountain Gas Storage Field In Cambria County [PaEN]
-- Protect PT: CNX Appeals EHB Decision Requiring DEP To Enforce Local Environmental Protection Settlement At The Drakulic Shale Gas Well Pad In Westmoreland County [PaEN]
-- PJM Electricity Capacity Auction Bids For 134,311 MW Come It At Highest Price Allowed Under FERC-Approved Cap [PaEN]
-- What The A.I. Data Center & Energy Summit Missed: Exploding Electricity Demand Already Raising Prices - Ratepayers Need Protection; No Longer An ‘All Of The Above’ Energy Strategy [PaEN]
-- What The A.I. Data Center & Energy Summit Missed: It’s Deja Vu - False Promises, Dirty Power - Our People And Communities Deserve Respect [PaEN]
-- PJM Interconnection Issues Hot Weather Alerts For Mid-Atlantic, Southern Regions July 26 & 27, And For The Entire Service Area On July 28 [PaEN]
-- PJM Interconnection Continues Maximum Generation And Load Management Alerts For July 25 [PaEN]
-- July 31 Webinar - Why Is My Electricity Bill So High? PJM Decisions Have Driven Up The Cost Of Electricity [PaEN]
-- PUC Safety Division Continues Examination Of June Fatal Rowhouse Explosion In Philadelphia Focused On Natural Gas Utility Infrastructure [PaEN]
-- PUC: Pennsylvania Doubles Solar Power Generation In Just 17 Months To 2 Gigawatts [PaEN]
-- Registration Open! Penn State University To Host 5th Annual Online Solar Law Symposium Aug. 21 [PaEN]
-- Whitehall Borough Launches New Rooftop Solar System Installed With Help From PA Solar Center, Elysium Solar Energy In Allegheny County [PaEN]
[Posted: July 25, 2025] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment