PECO Announces Electric Rate Drop, Gas Costs Surge for Customers

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — PECO customers will experience a slight decrease in electric rates alongside a significant increase in natural gas costs starting March 1, 2025, the company announced this week.

Residential electric customers who use 700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will lower their total monthly bill by $0.33, going from $143.89 to $143.56—a reduction of 0.23 percent. This change stems from decreased generation charges, which are directly passed from suppliers to customers, according to PECO.

In detail, residential generation charges will fall by 0.048 cents to 8.381 cents per kWh, amounting to a monthly charge of $58.67 for the average residential customer. Small commercial users consuming 10,000 kWh per month will benefit from a larger decrease, with generation charges declining by 1.166 cents to 7.170 cents per kWh, resulting in a $717 monthly bill.

Conversely, natural gas customers will see their bills rise. Residential clients using 80 hundred cubic feet (Ccf) of natural gas will encounter an increased monthly bill of $8.70, pushing their total from $112.41 to $121.11—a jump of 7.74 percent. Similarly, commercial users consuming 400 Ccf will experience a staggering increase of $43.45, resulting in a total bill of $496.17, which represents a 9.60 percent hike.

To help customers mitigate heating costs, PECO has provided several energy-saving tips. Customers are encouraged to maintain their thermostat at 68°F or lower, as each degree above this setting can boost heating costs by six to eight percent. Utilizing blankets and wearing warmer clothing at home can also contribute to savings.

In addition, reversing ceiling fans can recirculate warm air that accumulates near the ceiling, while insulating windows with curtains at night and opening blinds during the day can capture solar heat.

For improving lighting efficiency, PECO suggests replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED or compact fluorescent options. Customers should also remember to switch off lights in unoccupied rooms and ensure bulb wattage does not exceed recommended limits. Using one larger wattage bulb instead of multiple smaller fixtures can enhance efficiency, and cleaning light bulbs regularly can maintain optimal brightness.

When it comes to appliances, PECO recommends utilizing the air-dry option on dishwashers and only operating these appliances when fully loaded. Keeping refrigerators and freezers full can improve energy efficiency, while ensuring the dryer is not overfilled and cleaning the lint filter between loads will help maintain performance.

Moreover, customers should consider unplugging or recycling spare refrigerators or freezers, as they represent a significant electricity usage in homes. PECO also advises looking at energy-efficient models when replacing appliances older than ten years and utilizing power strips with an on-off switch for easy control over electronic devices when they are not in use.

As energy costs fluctuate, PECO’s guidance aims to equip customers with practical strategies to maintain their energy expenditure effectively.