Electric Bills Are Going Up in Columbia, PA – Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Get Help)
Starting December 1, 2025, electric rates across Pennsylvania—including Columbia—have gone up. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved seasonal adjustments that hit just as winter heating season begins. For most households, electricity costs can make up 40% to 60% of the total utility bill, so this increase matters. [puc.pa.gov]
How Much Are Rates Rising?
- PPL customers (which includes Columbia) saw their “Price to Compare” rise from 12.49¢ to 12.953¢ per kWh, about a 3.7% increase. [puc.pa.gov]
- For a typical home using 1,000 kWh per month, that’s an extra $15–$30 per month depending on usage and heating needs. [electricityrates.com]
Other utilities in Pennsylvania saw even bigger jumps—up to 10.6% for Duquesne Light and nearly 9% for Met-Ed customers. [puc.pa.gov]
Why Are Rates Going Up?
The main culprit is a massive spike in wholesale capacity costs from PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator. Capacity prices surged nearly tenfold for the 2025/2026 delivery year due to:
- Retirement of older power plants
- Increased demand from data centers and electrification
- New reliability rules for extreme weather [electricityrates.com]
Help Is Available: LIHEAP
If you’re worried about paying your higher electric bill, help is on the way through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
- Season dates: December 3, 2025 – April 10, 2026
- Grants: One-time payments of $200 to $1,000 sent directly to your utility company
- Crisis grants: Up to $1,000 if you’re in danger of losing heat
- No repayment required—these are grants, not loans [pa.gov], [yourdailylocal.com]
How to Apply:
- Online: COMPASS
- By phone: LIHEAP hotline 1-866-857-7095
- Local office: Columbia County Assistance Office, 27 East Seventh Street, Bloomsburg, PA [liheapoffices.com]
Eligibility is based on income (e.g., up to $48,225 for a family of four) and household size. You don’t need to be on public assistance or have an unpaid bill to qualify. [pa.gov]
Bottom Line
Electric rates are climbing, but you don’t have to face winter alone. Apply for LIHEAP now, explore budget billing, and consider energy-saving steps like lowering your thermostat and sealing drafts. For more tips and to compare rates, visit PAPowerSwitch.com.
