Press Release

PUC Enhances PAPowerSwitch.com with New Consumer-Friendly Features

Published on 4/27/2015

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced a series of enhancements to www.PAPowerSwitch.com, the agency’s consumer-education website with information on shopping for electric suppliers, consumer alerts and reminders, educational videos and more.

“It is our responsibility to educate consumers as much as possible to help them save on their bills, and to allow them to make informed decisions on where – and how – their electricity is generated,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “The Commission has continually upgraded our website to serve as a comprehensive consumer-education resource, offering information in plain sight about what it means to shop, how to save, the different types of rates and products and where to begin when shopping.”

New PAPowerSwitch upgrades include:

• Easier navigation on a streamlined homepage;
• A zip code search on the homepage, leading to a graphic snapshot about savings opportunities, rates and options in a specific area;
• Larger and brighter consumer alerts on the homepage, notifying viewers of upcoming default rate changes and other pertinent reminders;
• A prominent “Education” button, directing users to videos and information about switching power, understanding your bill, how to choose a supplier, fixed and variable rates and consumer rights and protections; and
• A “Ways to Save” button, guiding consumers to a factual page on opportunities to conserve energy and save money.

The upgrades also are reflected on the mobile version of PAPowerSwitch.

Since the website’s launch in 2010, the Commission has continued to implement new consumer-protection measures, rulemakings and education tools related to electric generation suppliers (EGSs). In addition to PAPowerSwitch enhancements, the PUC has passed several rulemakings, including accelerating the timeframe in which consumers can switch suppliers to allow faster switches between billing cycles; requiring EGSs to list terms and conditions more prominently on disclosures and contracts; and requiring additional, clearer EGS information on utility bills.

Consumers are urged to confirm who their electric supplier is, double-check the terms and conditions of their contract and use www.PAPowerSwitch.com to assess their options and find potential savings.

Consumers are advised not to sign a contract without knowing the length of the contract, the price, whether it is fixed or variable and if there are any early termination fees. Customers on a variable rate are subject to fluctuations in the price of their electric consumption. Information on fixed and variable electric rates is available here.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722