Updated January 17, 2012
We are well into electric choice and PECO's residential rate caps have expired. Since this change will likely affect your monthly electric bills, JA Smith Heating & Air Conditioning is keeping our customers updated on current offers and competitive rates. By making a switch today, you may be able to save on your utility bills. Please check our Web site often as we will do our best to keep the prices up to date and a new rate list is attached and can be accessed at the bottom of this article. There are now 38 companies selling electricity in Pennsylvania. The 10 lowest cost, fixed rate companies offer rates that are 16% less expensive than PECO.
Pennsylvania residents have the power to choose their electricity providers for better rates. Since rates change frequently, you should check back periodically for our choice updates. The right choice for today; may not be the right choice for the future.
For anyone on electric heat rate (RH), you should not do anything at this time. Your rate caps are not going to be fully lifted until 1/1/2013. The cheapest alternative is to stay the course and do nothing for the moment.
For those of you on PECO's standard rate (R or RS), you will need to select a power provider now. Depending on your risk tolerance, there are two ways you can go in your selection:
Variable rate for the lowest cost (but it could change)
This rate may be the lowest option today, but the rate is not guaranteed and may increase over time. The terms and options will vary by provider, so read the fine print before signing up for service.
Fixed rate (may not be as low as short-term variable rates but terms are guaranteed over a fixed period)
This rate is usually a bit higher than variable rate plans, but you get the security of knowing that your rate will not rise suddenly as a variable can. Of course a variable rate can also go down, but ther is no guarantee.
When you do switch, we recommend a fixed rate. There are several companies that are within 1/10 of 1 cent of each other. Energetix is running an unadvertised special (see partical article here). We have called to confirm that this offer is genuine but the offer may be revoked at any time without notice. You must call for the special rate. When you call, identify yourself as a PECO customer and ask for the one year $0.07211 rate. If you are unable to obtain the promotional rate with Energetix, we recommend that you stay with PECO for now. PECO's rate is subsidized during the phase out until 2013 and it will cost you more if you switch now.
Changing your generation providers will not create any problems with PECO or affect your service in case of a power outage. No matter who you choose, your local distribution company will always be PECO and you will call only PECO if the lights go out.
Click here to see our most recent summary of the residential electric rates. The attached PDF sorts electric choices from lowest to highest cost. The ten lowest cost fixed rate companies are highlighted. Again, they are at least 16% cheaper than PECO and are within $0.01 of each other.
To compare prices, or, to sign up with a new generation provider, visit www.papowerswitch.com/shop-for-electricity/shop-for-your-home/by-distributor/peco-energy.
If you have already signed up with a company based on previous posts, relax and enjoy your savings. The difference on a week to week basis are very small and I do not recommend constantly changing providers even if you do not have a cancellation penalty.
Important Reminder: Spring and Fall HVAC service checks keep your heater and air conditioner running safely at peak efficiency. Well maintained units last much longer than units that are ignored. For an appointment, please call 215-956-9400.
Commercial Customers
We recommend that our commercial customers talk to Bob Makin, our old PECO friend, who runs his own energy service now.
Robert E. (Bob) Makim
610-952-5094 (C)
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