Utility bills expected to increase; what you can do to help your rate

PITTSBURGH — Utility bills are expected to rise over the next week.

The increase depends on who the provider is, but every single utility price is impacted.

According to Duquesne Light Company’s website, the “Price to Compare” is jumping by more than 14 percent.

A Duquesne Light Company spokesperson tells Channel 11 that, while the default service portion of an average residential customer’s bill will increase about 15 percent, the overall bill will only increase about 6.8 percent.

For example, a customer with a $138.07 energy bill will see an increase to $147.41 on June 1, the spokesperson says. More information on why and how much rates are increasing can be found on DLC’s website.

The increase is expected to start next week, going up across nearly every utility between about 5-12 percent.

The state says that if you make small changes now, it can help.

While Pittsburgh has had unseasonably chilly weather and rain, the air conditioner will be coming on soon and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PUC, is issuing a warning.

They just kicked off their #saveinPA campaign and explained that this Sunday, residential prices will increase.

“I honestly think the PWSA and the electric, that’s where it’s already high enough! Thank God the prices are going down with the groceries. Things do seem to be getting better, but hearing this is going up, that’s tough.. and like why?” asked Gabrielle Rooney.

Rooney, a mother of two, was headed to the grocery store, where many people say the cost comes on top of food expenses.

While the timing is tough, the PUC said the increase is expected.

Every June 1 and Dec. 1, electric companies in Pennsylvania adjust their “Price to Compare,” which is the cost per kilowatt-hour charged to customers who have not selected their competitive supplier. The prices are based on wholesale market rates and can significantly impact monthly bills.

There are steps you can take to minimize the cost. Those steps include:

Upgrading your heating and cooling system
Sealing windows and doors
Setting the thermostat wisely or getting a smart thermostat
Unplugging electronics
Turning off the lights
Not doing laundry or running the dishwasher at the peak time of 6-8 in the evening
Taking a shorter and cooler shower
Buying Energy Star appliances
Checking past bills to understand your usage

The PUC chairman encourages customers of all companies to review their past energy usage.

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