Pittsburgh residents can now get cleaner energy for cheaper

Although electricity customers in Pennsylvania have been able to shop around for the best electricity rates since the state implemented energy deregulation laws in 2011, receiving power from 100 percent renewables typically meant paying higher rates.

Now, this all has changed, according to CleanTechnica.

The media outlet stated that residents in Pittsburgh now have the opportunity to buy wind and solar power, generated in Pennsylvania, at a 10 percent discount to the local utility’s rate. The good news came as Community Energy entered into Duquesne Light’s service territory to offer competitive prices.

“Regular residential customers of Duquesne Light pay 9.89 cents per kilowatt-hour for generation or $69.23 per month (assuming 700 kilowatt-hours) but would pay 8.99 cents per kilowatt-hour for a 100 percent wind power product,” said John Hanger, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Environmental Protection.  “Monthly savings are $6.29.”

Pennsylvania has become one of the best examples for states to follow when it comes to creating a competitive energy market, with 1.8 million electricity customers switching from utilities to independent electric providers since January 2011.