Credit: PECO
A group of Republican state lawmakers have joined their Democratic colleagues this week in opposing PECO’s proposed 2027 rate hikes.
The lawmakers argue the increases would place an undue financial burden on residents already struggling with high utility costs.
In a letter sent April 2, five local GOP legislators formally requested that the utility company reconsider its recent regulatory filings, which seek to raise both electric and natural gas rates. The correspondence was signed by State Sen. Frank Farry, State Rep. Shelby Labs, State Rep. Joe Hogan, State Rep. Kristin Marcell, and State Rep. Kathleen Tomlinson.
The lawmakers stated that PECO’s request follows significant rate hikes implemented in January 2025.
After the price changes, the company reported a 47.7 percent surge in net revenue, totaling $814 million for the year, according to the lawmakers.
After those gains, PECO is now pursuing an additional 12.5 percent increase for residential electric customers and an 11.4 percent increase for residential natural gas customers.
If the plan is approved, average households would see monthly increases of $20.08 for electricity and $14.52 for natural gas.
“Any further increases would negatively impact ratepayers,” the legislators wrote, urging the utility provider to meet with them to address the concerns.
While the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is responsible for the review and approval of the proposals, the lawmakers stated the need to shield consumers from financial strain.
