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Pennsylvania · Updated August 2026
Penelec rates in 2026
What Penelec customers are actually paying, where the number comes from, and what it means for your bill. Serving Erie, Johnstown, Altoona, State College, Williamsport and much of northern and central Pennsylvania.
21.1¢All-in residential rate, second highest in PARanked #1 by Solar Power World · Inc. 5000 · 20,000+ installations
Estimate what solar does against your Penelec bill
Enter your bill and we’ll size the array that would cover it, and show the gross value of that production at your rate. It does not net off the customer charge, taxes or what you would still draw at night — for that, use the bill savings calculator. Nothing is sent anywhere; this runs in your browser.
An estimate from your own numbers, not a quote, and not a savings figure. It assumes 400 W panels, an 80% system derate and no roof constraints. Your real number depends on orientation, roof area and your utility’s export credit. Savings are not guaranteed.
The numbers
Where Penelec stands right now
| Measure | Current | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Price to Compare (supply) | 13.142¢ | Effective June 1 – Nov 30, 2026 |
| Previous Price to Compare | 11.747¢ | Through May 31, 2026 |
| Increase on June 1 | +11.9% | Residential default service |
| All-in residential rate | ~21.1¢ | Second highest of the major PA utilities |
| Parent company | FirstEnergy | Also operates Met-Ed, West Penn Power and Penn Power |
| Market | PJM | Same wholesale market as every PA utility |
Figures as published August 2026. Utility rates change on published schedules — check your own bill for the rate that applies to your account.
Why the number is what it is
What is actually driving this
PJM capacity costs
Penelec buys from the PJM wholesale market. Capacity auction prices have climbed sharply and pass through to customers.
Rural service territory
Penelec covers a large, less dense footprint. Delivering power over more line-miles per customer is structurally more expensive, and that shows up in distribution charges.
Storm exposure
Restoration after major storms in Penelec's territory is measured in days rather than hours, and storm recovery costs are recovered through rates.
The honest cost picture
Two ways to pay for solar, and they are very different
If you buy the system
You own the equipment, you keep any renewable energy credits, and you carry the maintenance responsibility. Installed pricing varies by roof, shading and system size.
If you use a PPA
$0 upfront. We install and own the system; you buy the power it produces at a rate set in your agreement, and you only pay for what it actually generates. The system owner carries maintenance for the life of the agreement.
The residential federal tax credit (25D) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
You will still see ads promising a 30% credit that “ends December 31.” Read the date on them. If you buy a system today as a homeowner, you cannot claim that credit. What remains applies to the owner of the system — which, under a PPA, is us. SolarAmerica does not provide tax advice; talk to your tax professional about your situation.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
We design your system and manage the project; installation is performed by vetted licensed partners in your area.
Penelec questions
The things people actually ask
Why is Penelec more expensive than Met-Ed if they have the same parent?
They are separately tariffed utilities with different service territories, different line-mile density and different cost structures, even under the same parent company.
How long do outages last in Penelec territory?
Longer than in the metros. That is a function of rural line-miles and terrain, and it is the strongest argument for pairing solar with battery backup in this part of the state.
Does solar make sense here?
At 21 cents all-in, the per-kilowatt-hour math is better than in most of the country. The specific answer depends on your roof, shading and usage.
See what your roof and Penelec actually add up to
About 60 seconds. No cost, no obligation, and we will tell you if solar does not make sense for your home.
Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · 20,000+ installations · Licensed installers