The summer of 2024 was one of Philadelphia’s hottest in 50 years, with 31 days with temps at or above 90 degrees. In fact, June was the hottest month on record. Those higher temperatures drove energy use up by 20 percent – causing higher energy bills for some PECO customers.
According to Forbes, more than 50 percent of Americans work a fully remote or hybrid schedule. We’re all using and charging multiple devices at home. It all adds up to higher energy costs.
What can you do about it? A lot.
It starts with paying attention to how much energy you use, how much it costs, and how to manage it. The good news? PECO can help.
1. Get to know MyAccount
Understand how you use energy. Use the My Account Dashboard to access weekly usage reports, set up high-usage alerts, and see how your home compares to others in your neighborhood. Use this information to make smart energy decisions. If you haven’t signed up already, take this important first step at peco.com/MyAccount. Once you register, take a deeper dive into how you use energy and where you can save money.
- Track your usage month to month. Understand why your bill is higher or lower than previous months.
- What uses most? Learn which appliances drain the most energy and why.
- Track your electric and gas usage over time and stay on budget.
2. Take advantage of PECO’s flexible payment options
We’re always working to make it easier for you to pay your bill when and how it works best for you. We’ve listed a few of our most popular options, but you can find even more here.
- Budget Billing – Making equal payments can help you manage your budget.
- Pick your due date – Your new date will fall within a seven-day range, the earliest being the day you select.
- Auto pay– Set it and forget it. Automatic monthly payments can help eliminate stress and late payments.
- PECO eBill – Simplify your life by having your bill sent to you electronically instead of through the mail. You’ll get a reminder about when your bill is due and eliminate paper waste.
- Download the PECO mobile app and have online options at your fingertips anytime, anywhere.
3. Find ways to save with PECO’s energy efficiency programs
PECO’s award-winning energy efficiency programs are designed to help you maximize your energy dollars.
- Get tips and simple solutions for saving energy at money.
- Schedule a Home Energy Assessment. You’ll get professional advice from a PECO Home Energy Advisor, free energy-saving products, a personalized report with energy-saving tips tailored just for your home, and access to exclusive rebates.
- Take advantage of appliance rebates, instant discounts, and participating retailers at peco.com/rebates.
- Shop online at PECO Marketplace. For instant rebates on small appliances and smart thermostats. Free shipping on orders over $35.
4. Get help paying your PECO bill
With PECO Assistance Finder, you’ll get personalized recommendations based on your income and household situation. It’s easy to get started.
- Take a short quiz. Answer a few questions through our online portal to get the help you need, tailored to your situation.
- Need help with grants/assistance applications? Set up an online appointment with a PECO assistance counselor on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- You may be eligible for our Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which can lower your PECO bill to an amount you can afford based on your household income. New participants may be able to eliminate past-due balances.
- Apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Subject to availability, state funds to help pay your PECO bill usually are available between November and March. NEW: Easier application process! Reduce paperwork by allowing data sharing between Pennsylvania DHS and PECO. - PECO Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF) offers one-time grants for customers who have suffered a catastrophic loss of income.
- Having trouble paying your bill? We may be able to help youset up a payment arrangement. Visit peco.com/help to learn more about all the programs available to you.
5. Small changes can have a big impact
PECO offers a variety of tips to help you reduce your energy use, such as adjusting your thermostat and unplugging unused electronics.
- Visit peco.com/WaysToSave for common sense, seasonal energy saving tips that can have a real impact on your monthly energy bills.
- Monitor your supply charges by checking the Price to Compare (PTC). The electricity or natural gas used by customers—the supply charge—makes up about half of your total bill. PECO updates this charge, which is included in the Price to Compare (PTC) webpage, every quarter as market prices change. This information can be found in the Message Center on your bill. You can also find this information at peco.com/choice.
Check out our YouTube video for more tips: