PECO rate hike could push Philly summer bills past $250

By AI, Created 7:15 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – PECO’s Price to Compare rises June 1, lifting Philadelphia electricity supply rates and potentially pushing a typical summer bill near $250. PAEnergyRatings.com is urging customers to shop fixed-rate plans now before the higher price takes effect.

Why it matters: - Philadelphia households that stay on PECO’s standard rate could see summer electricity bills climb at the same time air conditioning demand peaks. - PAEnergyRatings.com says many customers may be able to lock in a lower fixed rate before PECO’s new price takes effect.

What happened: - PECO’s Price to Compare rises 5% on June 1, from 11.024 cents per kWh to 11.572 cents per kWh. - The new rate stays in place through Nov. 30, 2026. - PAEnergyRatings.com says the increase could push an average summer electric bill past $250 for some Philadelphia customers.

The details: - The June 1 change reflects PJM capacity auction prices set last summer. - The auction rate reached a capped maximum of $329.17 per megawatt-day, up about 22% from last summer’s $269.92 per megawatt-day rate. - PAEnergyRatings.com says a customer using 1,084 kWh a month during peak summer heat could face about $125.44 in supply charges and $122.69 in PECO distribution charges. - That combination would bring the monthly bill to nearly $250. - In July 2025, Pennsylvania’s average energy usage hit 1,084 kWh. - Philadelphia’s average daily high in July 2025 was 90.5°F, and the monthly high reached 98°F. - Some Philadelphia neighborhoods can average temperatures 22°F higher than others because of fewer trees and more pavement or concrete and brick surfaces. - PAEnergyRatings.com says those conditions make air conditioning essential for many residents. - Customers can shop among Pennsylvania electric suppliers for fixed-rate plans. - PAEnergyRatings.com says some fixed-rate offers available now are below PECO’s June 1 rate. - Customers may also use a fixed plan to reduce exposure to future winter price changes when the current PTC period ends on Dec. 1.

Between the lines: - The timing matters because the higher utility rate lands at the start of summer, when electricity use usually spikes. - The message is not just about one bill increase. It is also a push toward competitive retail suppliers before summer demand raises costs further. - Karl Trollinger, CEO of Electricity Ratings, said Pennsylvania consumers are facing large PJM auction price swings during a difficult economy and that retail providers can offer an alternative when a utility’s price-to-compare is not the best option.

What’s next: - PECO customers on the standard rate will begin paying the higher price on June 1. - PAEnergyRatings.com is urging customers to shop now and lock in a lower fixed rate before the increase hits. - The current PECO price-to-compare period ends Dec. 1, making winter pricing the next key risk for customers who stay on the utility rate.

The bottom line: - For Philadelphia customers, waiting could mean paying more just as summer cooling needs rise. Shopping for a fixed plan before June 1 may be the easiest way to avoid PECO’s higher rate.