What you can do about your rising electric bills in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's winter moratorium on utility shutoffs concluded on March 31, allowing utility companies to cut power to customers with overdue bills starting April 1. This comes amidst a nationwide increase in households struggling with energy affordability, with a recent Energy Information Administration survey indicating that nearly a quarter of U.S. households sacrificed essentials like food and medicine to cover energy costs in 2024. Experts attribute rising electricity prices in Pennsylvania to several factors, including the planned increase in hyperscale data centers, demand exceeding supply, higher supply costs, and infrastructure expansion leading to increased profits for investor-owned utilities. John Howat, a senior energy policy analyst at the National Consumer Law Center, warned that these increases predate recent utility price spikes, exacerbating financial strain on already cash-strapped households. While advocating for state and federal policy reform to address the issue, the article also offers individual tips for reducing electricity consumption, such as switching to LED bulbs, adjusting water heater and thermostat settings, and investing in energy-efficient appliances when existing ones reach end-of-life. Professor Simi Hoque from Drexel University also recommends home energy audits and weatherization, noting that Pennsylvania offers free services for eligible low-income residents.