Pennsylvania lets you choose your natural gas supplier, but your local utility still delivers it
In Pennsylvania, you can pick a different company to supply your natural gas — but only for the gas itself. Your local utility company (like Columbia Gas, Peoples Natural Gas, or UGI) still owns the pipes, reads your meter, and handles billing for delivery. When you switch suppliers, you're changing who sells you the commodity, not who delivers it. The utility continues to charge you a separate delivery fee no matter which supplier you choose.
Not all areas of Pennsylvania allow this choice. Deregulation only applies to certain regions. If you live in a deregulated area, you'll see supplier options on your utility bill or through the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) website. If you're in a regulated area, your utility is your only option for both supply and delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania's deregulated gas market lets you choose a supplier in some regions, but your local utility always handles delivery and maintains the pipes.
- Check your utility bill or the PUC website to confirm whether your address is in a deregulated area before looking for alternative suppliers.
- Switching suppliers involves contacting a third-party company directly; your utility cannot switch you and does not profit from your choice.
- You can switch back to your utility's default supplier at any time, and there are no early termination fees in Pennsylvania's gas market.
- Supplier rates vary by contract length and market conditions, so comparing offers before you switch helps you understand what you'll pay.
Check whether your address is in a deregulated area
The first step is confirming that your utility operates in a deregulated region. You can do this three ways: look at your gas bill for supplier options, call your local utility company and ask directly, or visit the PUC website and enter your address in their deregulation map.
Your utility bill is often the quickest check. If you see a section listing "supplier options" or "alternative suppliers," you're in a deregulated area. If your bill shows only your utility's name as the supplier with no alternatives listed, you're likely in a regulated area and cannot switch.
The PUC maintains a searchable map at www.puc.pa.gov under "Consumer Information." Enter your zip code or address to see which utility serves you and whether that utility's territory is deregulated. This map also lists the suppliers currently serving your area.
Understand what changes and what stays the same
When you switch suppliers, your gas bill splits into two parts: supply charges (from your new supplier) and delivery charges (from your utility). Your utility's delivery charge does not change based on your supplier choice. You pay the same amount for the pipes, meter reading, and maintenance whether you stay with your utility's supply or switch to a competitor.
Your meter reading, billing address, and account number all remain the same. The utility continues to send you one bill that includes both the supplier's charges and the utility's delivery charges. Some utilities show these separately on the bill; others combine them. Either way, you're paying two different companies for two different services.
Switching does not affect your service reliability or safety. Your utility is still responsible for emergency repairs, leak detection, and maintaining the system. Switching suppliers is purely a financial choice about where you buy the gas.
Find suppliers and compare rates in your area
Once you confirm deregulation applies to you, visit the PUC website again and look for the list of suppliers licensed to serve your utility's territory. Each supplier sets its own rates, contract terms, and conditions. Some offer fixed rates for a set period (like 12 or 24 months); others offer variable rates that change with market prices.
Call or visit the websites of two or three suppliers to get rate quotes. Ask specifically about the rate per therm (the unit gas companies use to measure consumption), any introductory rates, contract length, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. A fixed rate protects you from price increases during the contract; a variable rate may go up or down.
Be aware that suppliers may require a minimum usage threshold or charge a cancellation fee if you leave before the contract ends. Read the terms carefully. Pennsylvania law does not allow early termination fees for gas suppliers, so if a supplier mentions one, that is a red flag — contact the PUC if you encounter this.
Switch to your chosen supplier
Contact the supplier directly by phone or through their website to start the switch. You'll need your account number (from your utility bill), your service address, and your current meter reading if they ask for it. The supplier will handle all the paperwork; you do not contact your utility to switch.
The switch typically takes 5 to 21 days, depending on the supplier and your utility. During this time, your current supplier continues to serve you. You'll receive a confirmation letter from your new supplier with the start date and rate details. Keep this letter for your records.
Your utility will send you a notice confirming the supplier change. After the switch date, your bill will show charges from both your new supplier and your utility. Review the first bill carefully to make sure the supplier charges match what you were quoted.
Switch back to your utility or to a different supplier
You can switch suppliers as often as you want, and there are no penalties for doing so in Pennsylvania. If you want to return to your utility's default supply, contact your utility directly and request to go back to their supply service. This usually takes effect within 10 to 21 days.
If you want to switch to a different supplier instead, contact the new supplier directly. They will handle the switch from your current supplier; you do not need to notify anyone else. The process is the same as your first switch.
Some people switch annually to take advantage of better rates or promotional offers. Others stay with one supplier for years. The choice is yours, and Pennsylvania law protects your right to switch without penalty.
Understand fixed-rate versus variable-rate contracts
A fixed-rate contract locks in a price per therm for the entire contract period, usually 12 to 36 months. If market prices rise, your rate stays the same. If prices fall, you pay more than the market rate. Fixed rates appeal to people who want predictability and protection from price spikes.
A variable-rate contract ties your price to the market, so it changes monthly or quarterly. When wholesale gas prices drop, your rate drops. When prices rise, your rate rises. Variable rates can be cheaper during periods of low prices but riskier if prices spike. Some suppliers offer variable rates with a price cap, meaning your rate can rise only to a certain level.
Compare the total cost over the contract period, not just the advertised rate. A slightly higher fixed rate may cost less overall than a variable rate if prices are expected to rise. Check the supplier's website or ask them directly for an estimate of what you'll pay over 12 months based on your typical usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm not sure whether my area is deregulated?
Call your local utility company and ask directly: "Is my address in a deregulated gas market?" They can answer in one call. You can also check the PUC website at www.puc.pa.gov and search by zip code or address. If you're unsure after that, contact the PUC consumer hotline at 717-787-1000.
Will switching suppliers affect my service or safety?
No. Your utility still owns and maintains all the pipes and equipment, regardless of which supplier you choose. Service reliability and safety are the utility's responsibility. Switching suppliers is only a change in who bills you for the gas itself.
Can I switch suppliers if I'm behind on my gas bill?
Most suppliers will not switch you if you have an outstanding balance with your current utility. Pay any arrears first, then contact a new supplier. If you're struggling with bills, contact your utility about budget billing or hardship programs before switching.
What happens to my bill after I switch?
You'll receive one bill from your utility that shows charges from both your new supplier (for gas) and your utility (for delivery). The bill format varies by utility, but both charges will appear. Review it carefully after your first switch to confirm the supplier charges match your quote.
Can I switch back to my utility's supply if I'm unhappy with my supplier?
Yes. Contact your utility and ask to return to their default supply service. There are no fees or penalties. The switch typically takes 10 to 21 days. You can also switch to a different supplier instead if you prefer.