Know What to Check Before You Switch
With energy supply prices, summer usage and rates changing, you may see more calls, ads, emails, texts or door-to-door offers about lowering your electric bill.
You have choices when it comes to your electricity supply. Many offers come from licensed suppliers, but others might be a scam. So, it’s important to verify before you switch suppliers, sign a contract or share account information — be sure you understand what you’re being offered and how it could affect your bill.
The best first step is simple: pause, verify who you’re dealing with and read the terms before you decide.
Understand what the offer applies to
Your electric bill includes different types of charges, split between delivery and supply.
- Delivery covers the cost to deliver electricity safely and reliably across our distribution system. This varies based on usage.
- Supply covers the electricity you use, as well as transmission charges. If you do not choose a third-party supplier, we purchase electricity for you and pass on the cost of generation supply without markup or profit. If you do choose a supplier, your supply rate is based on the agreement you make with that supplier.
That distinction matters because supplier offers apply only to the supply portion of your bill, not your entire electric bill.
For more details about the breakdown of charges on your bill, visit our Bill Explainer page.
Know your current rate before you compare
Before reviewing an offer, check your current supply rate. You can find your supplier information and supply rate on your bill or on your online account.
The Price to Compare is the default supply rate you’ll pay if you do not shop for electricity with a third-party supplier. It can be helpful to use the Price to Compare as a reference point when reviewing offers.
You can learn more about shopping at pplelectric.com/shopping.
Questions to ask before you switch
A lower advertised rate may sound good, but the details matter. Before you switch suppliers or agree to a new contract, ask:
- Is the rate fixed or variable?
- Is it an introductory rate?
- How long does the rate last?
- What happens when the introductory period ends?
- Are there any additional charges besides the price per kWh?
- Are there monthly, cancellation or early termination fees?
- Will the contract renew automatically?
- Will I receive written contract terms before I agree?
A clear offer should explain the price, the length of the agreement, fees, renewal terms and what happens when the contract ends.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s official shopping website, PA Power Switch, provides more information about supplier contract terms.
Watch for misleading or high-pressure tactics
Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and:
- Says they represent PPL Electric or are calling “on behalf of PPL” to sell supplier service.
- Says you must switch suppliers to avoid shutoff.
- Pressures you to act immediately.
- Focuses only on a low introductory price without explaining what happens later.
- Offers a gift card or incentive in exchange for account information.
- Asks for personal, financial or account information before you can verify who they are.
- Claims the offer applies to your whole bill.
We do not market or sell supplier services by phone or door to door. If someone claims to represent PPL Electric and you are unsure, stop the conversation and contact us directly.
You can review scam prevention tips on our Scams & Fraud Prevention page and Fraud & Deceptive Marketing page.
Verify before you share information
Scammers can make caller ID look real, create fake websites, send fake payment links or appear in search results through online ads. That’s why it’s important to use official contact information.
If you receive an unexpected call, email, text, ad or in-person visit:
- Do not feel pressured to act right away.
- Go directly to pplelectric.com.
- Call us directly at 1-800-342-5775.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Do not provide banking or payment information.
The Federal Trade Commission also recommends contacting your utility directly if someone threatens immediate shutoff or demands payment. You can read more on the FTC’s utility scam guidance page.
The bottom line
Shopping for electricity supply is your choice. Some offers may be legitimate and can help you save, but it’s important to understand the details before you switch, sign or share information.
Before you switch: pause, verify and understand the offer.
For more information, visit PPL Electric’s Rates and Shopping page, Bill Explainer page or Scams & Fraud Prevention page.