Investing in a stronger, more reliable future for you
Last month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a settlement resolving our distribution rate review. Here’s what that means for you and what we’re doing to invest in the system, improve reliability and enhance customer support.
Strengthening reliability
We’re making targeted investments to deliver the reliable service you depend on – especially during severe weather.
- Building a stronger distribution system to better withstand extreme weather: Replacing aging infrastructure, adding stronger poles, pole-top equipment and wires and installing additional animal, avian and lightning guards.
- Reducing tree-related outages: Enhancing tree trimming and removal, including addressing diseased and dying trees both on and off our rights-of-way.
- Expanding next-generation smart grid technologies: Expanding advanced automation to accelerate restoration and reduce outages, and data analytics to inform smarter business decisions that deliver the greatest value.
Supporting our customers
We are continuing to expand programs designed to help.
- Expanding low-income assistance and enhancing screening for eligibility.
- Removing reconnection fees for income-eligible customers.
- Continuing to offer flexible payment arrangements, energy-saving tools and programs to help you manage your bill.
Protecting customers as demand grows
As demand increases across our region, we’re taking steps to ensure residential customers are protected. Large energy users, like data centers, will be required to make long-term financial commitments so system costs are not shifted to customers like you.
That includes new funding to support low-income assistance programs, helping reduce costs for residential customers over time.
As part of the decision, we have established a new large-load customer rate class designed to support system growth while protecting existing customers. The new rate class includes binding long-term financial and usage commitments, with a minimum 10-year requirement for large users such as data centers, helping ensure infrastructure costs are paid by the large load customers and not inappropriately shifted to other customers.
Beginning in 2027, we’ll be assigning $11 million annually in low-income program assistance to these large-load customers through a non-bypassable charge — reducing costs for residential customers.
Implementation and impact
New rates will take effect July 1, 2026. For residential customers using 1,000 kWh, the expected total bill change will be approximately $6.48 per month. For commercial customers using 1,000 kWh and 3 kW, the expected total bill change will be approximately $4.08 per month.
As part of the approved decision, we will not increase distribution base rates for at least two years following implementation. This is our first base rate increase since 2016 and demonstrates our commitment to managing costs and providing the reliable electric service you depend on.
We understand any increase in your bill can be a challenge. We’re committed to managing costs while continuing to deliver safe, reliable service.
For more information on the filings and approved settlement, visit pplelectric.com/RateInfo.