Residential Rate Report

Pennsylvania Residential Electricity Rates

Pennsylvania is a major energy exporter within the PJM Interconnection grid. With a fully restructured retail market, residents can shop for competitive electricity suppliers or receive default service (Price to Compare) from regulated utilities.

Residential Electricity Rate
21.47 ¢/kWh
Verified database rate for April 2026
U.S. National Comparison
14.0% above the U.S. national average
National Average: 18.83 ¢/kWh
Market Framework
Retail Choice / Deregulated Market
Retail supplier choice available for residential customers.

Estimated Monthly Household Energy Charges

Estimated monthly energy charges for standard home electricity usage baselines in Pennsylvania calculated at 21.47 ¢/kWh:

Pennsylvania residential monthly electricity cost estimates by consumption level
Monthly Usage (kWh)Household Profile BaselineEstimated Energy Charge ($/mo)
500 kWh500 kWh / month (Apartment / Small Home)$107.35 / mo
800 kWh800 kWh / month (Medium Home / Efficient Usage)$171.76 / mo
1,000 kWh1,000 kWh / month (Standard U.S. Household Baseline)$214.70 / mo
1,500 kWh1,500 kWh / month (Large Home / All-Electric / High AC)$322.05 / mo

* Estimated energy charge only. Excludes utility fixed monthly customer fees, local distribution charges, time-of-use peak demand rates, fuel surcharges, and state taxes.

24-Month Historical Rate Trend (Pennsylvania)

Official U.S. EIA residential electricity price history for Pennsylvania over recent reporting periods:

Pennsylvania monthly residential electricity rate history (cents per kWh)
Reporting MonthAverage Rate (¢/kWh)Month-over-Month Change
April 202621.47 ¢/kWh +0.55 ¢
March 202620.92 ¢/kWh +0.62 ¢
February 202620.30 ¢/kWh +0.11 ¢
January 202620.19 ¢/kWh +0.11 ¢
December 202520.08 ¢/kWh -0.08 ¢
November 202520.16 ¢/kWh -0.33 ¢
October 202520.49 ¢/kWh +0.03 ¢
September 202520.46 ¢/kWh +0.53 ¢
August 202519.93 ¢/kWh +0.42 ¢
July 202519.51 ¢/kWh -0.18 ¢
June 202519.69 ¢/kWh +0.40 ¢
May 202519.29 ¢/kWh +0.33 ¢
April 202518.96 ¢/kWh +0.54 ¢
March 202518.42 ¢/kWh +0.42 ¢
February 202518.00 ¢/kWh +0.44 ¢
January 202517.56 ¢/kWh0.00 ¢
December 202417.56 ¢/kWh -0.48 ¢
November 202418.04 ¢/kWh -0.39 ¢
October 202418.43 ¢/kWh +0.65 ¢
September 202417.78 ¢/kWh +0.21 ¢
August 202417.57 ¢/kWh +0.14 ¢
July 202417.43 ¢/kWh -0.24 ¢
June 202417.67 ¢/kWh -0.89 ¢
May 202418.56 ¢/kWh +0.25 ¢

Key Electricity Cost Drivers in Pennsylvania

Primary market structure, generation mix, and environmental factors shaping electricity costs across Pennsylvania:

1. PJM Grid & Energy Production

Pennsylvania ranks among the top states for net electricity generation, drawing from natural gas, nuclear power, and coal.

2. PAPUC "Price to Compare" Benchmark

Regulated distribution utilities (PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light, Met-Ed) adjust their default supply rate quarterly or bi-annually, serving as a shopping baseline.

3. Dual Heating Demand

Pennsylvania households experience substantial winter space heating loads alongside summer cooling, influencing seasonal electricity usage spikes.

Why Your Individual Electric Bill May Differ

Statewide average rates compiled by the U.S. EIA reflect overall residential revenue divided by total sales. Your actual monthly electricity bill in Pennsylvania will vary based on:

  • Fixed Monthly Customer Charges: Basic meter account service fees assessed regardless of kWh consumption.
  • Delivery & Distribution Tariffs: Regulated transmission charges set by state utility commissions.
  • Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing: Higher peak-period demand rates during hot afternoon or winter evening hours.
  • Local Taxes & Clean Energy Riders: Municipal taxes and clean energy fund surcharges.

Calculate Your Exact Pennsylvania Home Electricity Bill

Statewide average rates provide a baseline, but your actual electric bill depends on your utility tariff structure, seasonal AC usage, and household appliances. Use Energy Bill Lab tools to analyze your bill or calculate appliance operating costs.

Official Data Sources & Editorial Citations