Green Mountain Energy Pennsylvania FAQ

How long has Green Mountain Energy been doing business in Pennsylvania?

Green Mountain Energy was one of the first Electric Generation Suppliers (EGSs) to offer Pennsylvania consumers a choice of how their electricity is made, back in 1998 when the energy market opened to competition. Customers' demand in Pennsylvania helped lead to the development of the first utility-scale wind farm in the Eastern U.S., in Somerset County, PA in 1999.

Green Mountain Energy reentered Pennsylvania’s PECO and PPL service territories in June 2012; Duquesne Light's service territory in December 2012; and First Energy’s service territories in Met-Ed, West Penn Power, Penelec, and Penn Power in June 2013 as an active EGS serving residential and business customers with cleaner energy. We are now, as we were in 1998, an active leader in promoting energy choice at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

What is Green Mountain Energy doing to help the environment in Pennsylvania?

We give Pennsylvania residents the ability to choose cleaner electricity products for their home, made from renewable sources like wind and solar. Did you know that the traditional production of electricity from dirty sources like coal is the largest source of industrial air pollution in the U.S.?  By choosing clean Pollution Free™ electricity from Green Mountain Energy, you can help reduce your household’s share of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and help fight climate change. Choosing renewable electricity products also helps encourage the development of new renewable, pollution-free generation facilities in Pennsylvania and nearby states. Demand from Green Mountain Energy customers in Pennsylvania helped lead to the development of the first utility-scale wind farm in the Eastern U.S., in Somerset County, PA in 1999.

In addition, for every new customer who enrolls, we donate $1 towards the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s "Plant One Million" tree-planting campaign.

To learn more about the environmental impact of our products and services and our sustainability initiatives, visit our interactive Sustainability Report.

Why should I choose Green Mountain Energy vs. other Electric Generation Suppliers?

Green Mountain Energy is the nation’s longest serving renewable energy retailer. We believe in using wind, sun and water for good, something that sets us apart from other Pennsylvania electricity suppliers. We are 100% committed to cleaner energy.

We power Pennsylvania households 100% renewable Pollution Free™ electricity made from domestic wind. Plus, we offer the highest solar energy content of any electricity supply product in Pennsylvania through our Pollution Free Gold™ product.

With multiple plan options to fit every customer’s budget and lifestyle, it's easy to make a difference for the planet with Green Mountain Energy.

What are the past variable prices?
How does billing work?

You'll still receive your bill from - and pay - your utility. Learn more about the electricity supply charges you'll see from Green Mountain Energy on your bill.

Will I get a separate electricity bill from Green Mountain Energy? Who do I pay?

Nothing will change with your billing process. You will continue to receive and pay only one electricity bill from your electric distribution company (PECO/PPL/Duquesne Light/Met-Ed/West Penn Power/Penelec/Penn Power). Electricity charges from Green Mountain Energy will appear in the Electricity Supply billing details section of your bill.

Can I still pay my electricity bill online?

Yes. You can continue to pay your electricity distribution company the same way you always have.

Will my billing remain on the same schedule as it is now?

Yes. You'll receive your bill on the same schedule as you do now.

I’m on a budget billing plan with my electric distribution company. Will I lose that if I switch to Green Mountain?

Nope. Choosing us as your electricity supplier does not affect your ability to continue on a budget billing plan with your electric distribution company.

Why did my bill go up (or down) last month?

There are two main things that determine the amount of your invoice: the amount of electricity you use during the month and the rate you’re paying per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for that electricity, or:

  • # kWh used * cents per kWh rate = Generation Charge

This information is located on the back page of your bill (see an example).

Why choose renewable power?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, making electricity creates more CO2 than any other U.S. sector and is the #1 cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. Choosing a renewable  electricity plan from Green Mountain Energy helps encourage the development and continued operation of new renewable, pollution-free generation facilities.

What kinds of plans are available to me?

We offer Pennsylvanians the choice of two electricity plans that use cleaner renewable resources: Pollution Free™ electricity and Pollution Free Gold™ electricity. Choose from month-to-month and fixed-rate plan options to meet your needs. See the products & rates in your area.

How do I switch to Green Mountain Energy?

It’s easy to sign up online, or call us toll-free at 855-PA-GOGREEN (855-724-6473). You will need your account number (10 digits in PECO or PPL; 13 digits in Duquesne Light) or customer number (20 digits in Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) to complete the sign up. You can find your account number or customer number on your monthly bill.

How soon will my service begin?

Your green power will begin flowing in one to two billing cycles, depending on your meter read date.

Will the power go out while I’m waiting for my Green Mountain Energy service to begin? Do I have to install any equipment?

No. Electricity will be delivered to your home the same way it always has, and there’s no equipment to install. Green Mountain Energy and your electric distribution company take care of all the arrangements. You won’t notice anything new other than electricity supply charges from us on your monthly bill.

Does “electric choice” mean I get to pick any utility I want?

Not quite. Electric choice means you can choose who supplies your electricity, not the utility that delivers it. By choosing who supplies your electricity, you have the ability to choose 100% renewable energy generated from sources like wind or solar.

Learn more about electric choice here:

Choose A Plan

Is Green Mountain Energy competing against my electric distribution company?

No. Your electric distribution company (PECO/PPL/Duquesne Light/Met-Ed/West Penn Power/Penelec/Penn Power), supports energy competition and encourages customers to choose an EGS that is right for them. The electric distribution company’s primary business role is energy delivery, and Electric Generation Suppliers (EGSs) are in the business of energy generation. Even after you choose an EGS, your electric distribution company will still be there to read your meter, handle service calls, and provide emergency assistance. Energy competition is also supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Public Utility Commission of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate.

Our customers have avoided

 

pounds of CO2

That’s like planting

 

new trees.