On Jan. 1, many areas of the Commonwealth realized expiration of electric rate caps. Consumers are seeking a new understanding of how to control 2010 electric costs, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA).
While officials predict a 30 percent increase in costs, consumers can choose the company from which their electricity is generated or remain with the current provider. A Residential Consumer's Electric Shopping Guide is available to help you compare rates as you decide which company will generate your electricity.
Generation is the production of electricity. Transmission is the movement of that electricity from where it is produced to a local distribution system. Distribution is the delivery of purchased power to the consumer. Faced with the expiration of generation rate caps, consumers are free to choose the company from which their electricity is generated (EGC) while continuing to receive one billing statement including costs for generation from one company and transmission and distribution from their current company (EDC).
OCA is offering answers to a number of frequently asked questions to assist consumers in making the most of their electric generation choice.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
Choosing an Electricity Provider