By The Energy Co-op Staff – 4/8/25
Shopping for renewable electricity can be overwhelming. If you’ve read our blog, you know that there are some bad actors in the electricity supply business. And, as you know from mail, visits to your front door, and emails you receive regularly, there are many offers out there.
Moreover, the federal administration’s hostility towards renewable energy and emphasis on expanding exports of U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) as well as the widely publicized electricity demand increases from the construction of data centers, adoption of EVs, and home electrification are causing uncertainty for shoppers trying to make sense of their options and understand how energy prices might be affected. These factors, in addition to capacity cost increases in the PJM Interconnection footprint and a dearth of new generating capacity, are leading to higher energy prices for consumers and businesses across the board. This means that transparency and member-ownership are more important than ever.
The Energy Co-op’s staff closely monitors these complex situations and responsibly manages our programs as the markets and their impact on energy rates evolve. We have and will continue to keep our members apprised of the ever-changing energy landscape.
Not only that, but The Energy Co-op is a different kind of renewable electricity supplier. As a member-owned nonprofit cooperative, we offer 100% renewable electricity with 100% transparency. Every cent is going towards our mission of helping our members buy, use, and understand sustainable energy. In keeping with that mission, we created this brief guide to make shopping for renewable electricity in Pennsylvania easy.
Here’s how:
1. Choose a Pennsylvania supplier.
You’ve decided to power your Pennsylvania home with renewable electricity. So, why not support your local, clean energy economy by choosing a local supplier? When you do, your renewable electricity dollars have the most impact—not only reducing carbon emissions right here in the Commonwealth, but also creating local, clean energy jobs and investment in our area.
2. Choose a Pennsylvania supplier that offers 100% Pennsylvania renewable electricity.
By buying renewable electricity generated right here in Pennsylvania, you are choosing to support clean energy sources in our state and invest in our local clean energy future. Because of the way Pennsylvania’s renewable mandate works, PA-only energy can be a little more expensive than renewable electricity produced elsewhere, but more investment in local energy generation can help grow demand and reduce rates.
3. Choose a Pennsylvania electricity supplier that only offers renewable electricity.
What if you wanted to support organic agriculture by buying produce from a local organic farm, only to find out that they’re owned by a factory farm that produces 90% of its food with unsustainable practices?
In Pennsylvania, the least expensive renewable electricity is offered by large, vertically integrated companies that get 90% of their supply from non-renewable sources. Rather, most of their energy is produced with coal, natural gas, and other non-renewable fuels. Why does that matter? Because you have no assurance that the dollars you spend on renewable energy will not subsidize non-renewable fuel projects.
If you buy from a supplier that only offers renewable electricity, you know exactly where your dollars are going—to renewable energy.
4. Choose a Pennsylvania electricity supplier that only offers wind and solar power.
When most people think of renewable electricity, they think of wind and solar power—the two fastest-growing electricity generation sources in the United States. But in many states, including Pennsylvania, “renewable” or “alternative” electricity can be produced from a wide array of polluting sources, including hydroelectric dams, wood pulping, and even coal mine methane. Now is not the time for 19th century technology. In the 21st century, make sure all your renewable electricity comes from wind and solar power.
5. Finally, buy renewable electricity you can trust!
You should not have to worry whether your electric supplier takes advantage of energy consumers. But not all suppliers are up front about their practices. Learn more about the suppliers you are considering and ask your network about their experiences. Choose a supplier that meets your standards and operates with transparency, including no hidden sign-up, switching, or cancellation fees.
So, what are your options?
If you’re shopping for renewable electricity in southeastern Pennsylvania and you want to check all the boxes, there’s only one choice: The Energy Co-op. We offer 100% wind and solar powered renewable electricity to our members, many of whom choose our 100% Pennsylvania power option. Our offerings include no signup, monthly, or cancellation fees. And, because we are a cooperative, when you enroll you become a member-owner which means you’re the boss, not a customer!
Becoming a member of The Energy Co-op also supports the growth of a network of local, community-focused cooperatives dedicated to educating the local community and beyond on various energy topics that impact us all. Be a part of a movement that lifts up your community! For more information, contact us at info@theenergy.coop or (215) 413-2122.