The Philadelphia Inquirer - - 1998
It's not THE electric company anymore. Consumers in more than a dozen states will soon be
able to choose their electric supplier the same way they choose their long distance
service.
Two-thirds of Pennsylvania electric consumers will be able to buy their power from the supplier of their choice in January 1999, with the remaining one-third eligible to participate in 2000. (Legislation that would open New Jersey and Delaware to competition is pending.)
Like any major change, the transition from monopoly to competition has not been a smooth ride. Consumer groups have fought utilities' efforts to continue billing them for ``stranded'' investments in expensive nuclear plants. Peco and its competitors have fought over the rules of the new marketplace. And investors are learning that utility stocks are no longer the safe "set and forget'' investments they used to be.
Peco Energy is cutting rates for all residential, commercial and industrial customers by about 8 percent in 1999. You will receive that cut whether or not you switch.
But you may be able to save a lot more by shopping for an alternate supplier. Residential customers without electric heat (Rate R) could double their savings. If you use electricity to heat your home (Rate RH), your decision is not so simple. Rate RH customers already pay lower rates in the winter. So, if you are using a lot of power in the winter but not much in the summer, you may be better off staying with Peco.
Regardless of which company you choose, Peco will continue to deliver your power, and to respond to any outages.
For more information, read the Inquirer's shoppers guide and answers to frequently-asked questions. To figure out the best deal for you, use one of the Inquirer's rate calculators. (Prices cited in the articles may have changed since publication.
-- Rich Heidorn Jr.