Whether braving the crowds on Black Friday or surfing the web for deals on Cyber Monday, the Public Utility Commission Wednesday reminded consumers to add shopping for electricity or natural gas to the list.

“This weekend has become synonymous with shopping for bargains and we encourage consumers to extend that idea to their electric and natural gas utilities,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “Now is the perfect time to take a look at your electric and natural gas bills. www.PAPowerSwitch.com and www.PAGasSwitch.com puts all of the information you need to shop at your fingertips. If you are one of the more than 2.1 million Pennsylvanians already using a competitive supplier, it is a good time to re-evaluate your contract terms and price.”

Since 1997 consumers have been able to select the company that provides their electric generation. Local electric distribution companies will still operate the lines that provide electricity to homes, but consumers are able to select the company that sells the electric power or generation that is delivered over those distribution lines.

Through these shopping websites, the PUC is working to make sure consumers have the tools at their fingertips to make an informed decision about switching electric and natural gas providers. Consumers have the power to switch to a competing supplier who may offer a lower price, or provide a specific service such as energy renewables.

Shopping for an electric or natural gas supplier is a zip. Just click and enter your zip code. Review the prices, products, terms and incentives from suppliers making offers in your area.

“While price is a motivator for many while shopping, you also can take advantage of other offers when choosing an electric or natural gas supplier,” Chairman Powelson said. “Shoppers can pair pricing with innovative product offerings such as free power days, frequent flier miles or help with energy efficiency improvements that further reduce their costs. They also can choose a supplier offering green energy choices.”

Consumers who are interested in learning more about changing energy providers can either go to www.PAPowerSwitch.com or www.PAGasSwitch.com for information on switching to a competitive supplier.

12/2/2013