Electric bills across Pennsylvania are about to get more expensive. Starting June 1, state regulators say many residents who use default utility service will see the generation portion of their electric bills go up. That reset changes the "price to compare" that shows up on monthly statements and could make peak air-conditioning season noticeably pricier for households that have not locked in a competitive supplier contract. Customers who already shop with a competitive supplier will keep paying their contract rate, but anyone on default service should brace for higher supply charges on upcoming bills.
What changes on June 1
In a news release from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, regulators laid out new electric generation prices for every PUC-regulated utility, effective June 1. The commission's chart lists a range of updated "price to compare" numbers. For example, Penelec's generation charge increases about 11.9% to roughly 13.142¢ per kilowatt-hour, Met-Ed's climbs about 7.6% to around 13.951¢ per kilowatt-hour, and West Penn Power's supply rate rises about 10.3% to about 12.075¢ per kilowatt-hour. One of the sharpest listed jumps is nearly 19.8% for Pike County Light & Power. The PUC emphasized that these changes apply to default-service customers and that total monthly bills will still depend heavily on weather and how much electricity a household uses.
Why bills are rising
Regulators are pointing to wholesale market conditions, not local delivery charges, as the main reason supply prices are climbing. PJM's independent market monitor, Monitoring Analytics, reported that wholesale power costs across the PJM grid were up roughly 75% year over year in the first quarter of 2026. The report cited rapid data-center load growth as a key factor behind higher capacity auction prices. Those wholesale and capacity costs then flow into the competitive procurements that set default-service supply rates, which is why the price to compare can move sharply at reset time.
How to limit the damage
Regulators and reporters are urging customers to get ahead of the change instead of waiting for sticker shock. Lauren Linder at CBS Pittsburgh highlighted simple tactics that can trim usage, such as nudging thermostats up a degree or two, using fans, running energy-hungry appliances during cooler hours, and keeping HVAC filters clean. The PUC is also steering residents toward shopping tools like PA Power Switch, suggesting that customers look at fixed-rate plans, and encouraging anyone worried about paying their bill to contact their utility about budget billing or assistance programs.
Local snapshots
Local coverage is already showing how these statewide resets play out on actual bills. WGAL reported that Met-Ed's posted supply rate is moving from about 12.96¢ per kilowatt-hour to roughly 13.95¢ on June 1, while PPL's supply rate ticks up to about 13.15¢ per kilowatt-hour. That might mean only a few extra dollars a month for some households in mild weather, but the added cost can pile up during long, hot stretches. Customers who are unsure whether they are on default service or under a contract should check the "price to compare" line on their bill or review the listings on PA Power Switch before any existing contract rolls over.
Bottom line, if you have not shopped for a supplier or locked in a fixed rate, expect the supply portion of your June electric bill to reflect a higher price to compare numbers and keep a close eye on your usage as summer heat sets in. The Central Pennsylvania Business Journal has also pointed out that the timing of the PUC advisory lines up with rising seasonal demand, a reminder that the generation charge is only one piece of a bill that can swell during heat waves. Customers who run into trouble paying or need help sorting out a billing issue can contact their utility or reach the PUC's Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380 for assistance.
