Summer bills: What’s driving costs and ways you can save

Summer bills: What’s driving costs and ways you can save

Aug 12, 2026 | Bill Help

The summer heat can be unbearable. But keeping your home cool and comfortable may be causing your electric bill to increase. With air conditioning, cooling equipment or dehumidifiers working overtime during extreme heat, it’s common to see spikes in your summer usage.

If your bill is higher this summer, it may be due to a combination of factors, including increased energy use during hot weather, changes in the price of electricity supply and the new distribution base rate that took effect July 1.

As your local electric company, we deliver electricity to your home, but we don’t own or operate the power plants where that electricity is generated. In Pennsylvania, you can shop for a third-party supplier based on price or other factors, or you’ll automatically pay the Price to Compare.

If you have a supplier, now is a good time to check the price you’re paying and use the Price to Compare as a benchmark. Many customers sign up with a supplier that initially offers a lower rate but lose track of contract terms or supplier notifications and end up shifting to a variable rate that is much higher than the Price to Compare.

In May, residential customers paying rates above the Price to Compare collectively paid about $7.2 million more than the default rate, while those paying below it saved approximately $2.3 million. These differences reflect the range of products and pricing options available in the competitive market.

With the cost of everyday essentials continuing to rise, every dollar counts. Taking a few minutes to review your options and regularly check the price you’re paying for supply can help you stay informed and avoid paying more than necessary.

 

5 ways to take control of your summer bill

  1. Track your energy use to stay informed. Even small energy-saving changes can make a big impact.
  2. Review your supply price and compare offers from third-party suppliers at papowerswitch.com.
  3. Sign up for PPL Alerts to receive Price to Compare notifications, bill due reminders and more.
  4. Enroll in Budget Billing to even out the seasonal swings in your bill and make your monthly payments more predictable.
  5. Check out our Bill Toolkit at pplelectric.com/toolkit for a comprehensive list of simple tools and support to help make your bill more affordable.
Get ready for summer with our Bill Toolkit

Get ready for summer with our Bill Toolkit

Jun 1, 2026 | Bill Help

Summer heat and increased energy use can bring extra stress. We’re here to help you stay in control.

Our Bill Toolkit makes it easier to manage your bill, understand your energy use and find help when you need it. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for support today, you’ll find simple tools and resources designed to meet you where you are.

Since no two households are the same, our Bill Toolkit offers a wide variety of resources for all families, regardless of income.

Choose the solutions that work for you and save this summer.

Manage your bill.

Take steps now to make your payments more predictable and avoid surprises later in the season.

  • Budget Billing: Enroll for more predictable payments.
  • PPL Alerts: Stay informed with alerts about Price to Compare changes and bill due reminders.
  • Shop for a supplier: Review offers from third-party suppliers and choose one that’s right for you.

Manage your energy use.

Small changes can make a big difference, especially as summer usage begins to climb.

  • Explore Energy Analyzer: See when, where and how your home uses energy so you can learn where to use less and save more.
  • Find No-Cost Energy Saving Tips: Easy ways to stay cool while using less electricity.
  • Schedule a Virtual Assessment: Kickstart your energy efficiency journey and get personalized recommendations with a no-cost home energy assessment.

Get help paying, now.

If paying your bill is a challenge, support is available for all households.

  • Set up a payment arrangement: Pay off a past due balance over time.
  • Get assistance: See if you’re eligible for fixed monthly payments and debt forgiveness with OnTrack.
  • Apply for a grant: Operation HELP offers cash grants toward your electric bill, if eligible.

Summer’s highest energy use is still ahead and taking a few steps now can make a real difference in the months to come. Explore our tools, plan ahead and feel more confident heading into the season.

Explore more help for summer bills at pplelectric.com/toolkit.