Cranberry residents will soon receive a mailing from the Butler County Commissioners inviting them to participate in an electricity program promoted by First Energy. The mailing describes two money-saving options, through Penn Power and West Penn Power – both First Energy companies. Together, these companies service over 90% of the residential customers in Butler County. This program is described in detail here, First Energy Butler County Offer
However, this is one of many money-saving options available to you, as a residential customer. There are multiple suppliers and rates change every 90 days. The most current offerings are available for comparison by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) along with a wealth of consumer information and price-comparison tools, PA Power Switch, Shop for Electricity. If you are currently enrolled in a program, please note that suppliers are permitted by the PUC, to charge cancellation fees to exit a program early, and each supplier has a different fee structure.
First Energy is offering the program in Butler County, and soon statewide. To offset the County’s costs in promoting this program, First Energy will be contributing $10 to the County. In turn, the County is offering $5.00 to the municipalities to further encourage education and promotion within their communities. Any funds that Cranberry Township may receive from this program will be dedicated to our Sustainability and money-saving efforts.
We encourage you to shop and compare. This First Energy program, offered to Butler County resident may, or may not be your best option. The Township shops regularly for utility providers. We shop the market for both natural gas and electric suppliers. And, as a result, the Township has realized tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the years. Nothing could make us happier than have our residents take a few minutes to look at their electric bill and compare what is available on the open market, and select the best option for you, be it First Energy or any other available electricity supplier. The real power is in an educated Consumer.