Compare Utility Providers in Philadelphia, PA

Top 53 Electric Providers in Philadelphia

See Top Plans in Your Area

Top 7 Natural Gas Providers in Philadelphia

See Top Plans In Your Area

Top 8 Internet Providers in Philadelphia

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Solar Providers in Philadelphia

Water & Sewage Providers in Philadelphia

Top 17 Trash and Recycling Providers in Philadelphia

Utilities Summary for Philadelphia, PA

Electric Companies:	53
Natural Gas Companies:	7
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	17
Municipal Electricity:	No

The Complete Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Philadelphia

Navigating the utility landscape here is different than in many other cities. You aren’t just choosing an electric plan; you are dealing with distinct municipal bureaucracies for water and gas, unique trash rules, and a competitive internet market.

This guide covers everything you need to turn the lights on, get the water running, and avoid fines, whether you are renting an apartment in Fishtown or buying a rowhome in South Philly.

Water & Sewer: The Hardest Part

Unlike electricity, you cannot choose your water provider. It is a municipal service provided by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD).

For Homeowners

If you bought a home, water service is typically transferred automatically when your deed is recorded.

• Watch out for the delay: It can take months for the city records to update. You are responsible for bills from the date of settlement.
• Stormwater Fee: You will see a “Stormwater Management Service” charge on your bill. For most residential homes, this is a flat monthly fee (approx. $16.86) to manage runoff.

For Tenants (The “Tenant Application” Process)

Tenants cannot simply call to turn on water. Because unpaid water bills can result in a lien on the property, PWD requires strict authorization from the landlord.

How to set up water in your name:

1. Get the Form: You must complete the Tenant Water Customer Application.
2. Required Documents:
   • A copy of your current lease.
   • A “Landlord Consent” form signed by the property owner.
   • A valid Government ID.
   • A recent meter reading (take a photo of the meter in the basement).
3. The “Pro” Submission Method: Avoid waiting in line at the Municipal Services Building. You can email your application and documents directly to [email protected].

Electricity: PECO vs. The Suppliers

Philadelphia is deregulated. This means one company owns the wires, but you can choose who sells you the power.

The Distributor: PECO

No matter who you pay, PECO delivers the electricity.

• Emergency/Outage: Call 1-800-841-4141.
• The Default Rate: If you do nothing, you pay PECO’s “Price to Compare” (PTC). This rate changes quarterly.

New to Deregulation? Read This First.

If you are moving from a state with regulated energy, your bill might look confusing. Think of it like a package delivery:

• The Product (Supply): You buy the actual electricity from an Electricity Supplier. This is the part you can shop for to find a lower rate.
• The Delivery (Distribution): PECO delivers the electricity to your house, maintains the wires, and fixes outages. You cannot switch this. PECO charges a fixed “Distribution” rate regardless of who you buy your power from.

The “Price to Compare” (Your Benchmark)

If you do not choose a supplier, you automatically default to PECO’s standard rate, known as the Price to Compare (PTC).

• Current Trend: PECO adjusts this rate quarterly (March, June, Sept, Dec). As of December 2025, the rate is trending upward (approx. 11.02¢/kWh).
• The Goal: When shopping below, look for a fixed rate that is lower than PECO’s current PTC to save money.

The “Standard Offer” Program (Hidden Gem)

If shopping for rates feels overwhelming, you can call PECO directly and ask for the “Standard Offer Program.”

• The Deal: By law, participating suppliers must offer you a rate that is 7% lower than PECO’s current Price to Compare at the time of enrollment.
• The Terms: The rate is fixed for 12 months, and there are no cancellation fees. It is often the safest, easiest way to save money immediately upon moving in.

The Suppliers: Your Choice

You can choose an electricity supplier to lock in a lower rate or support 100% green energy.

• Warning: Be careful of variable rates that start low and spike after 3 months. We recommend fixed-rate plans for stability. Learn more about the difference between fixed and variable rate plans.
• How to Switch: You will need your PECO account number (found on your bill). The switch takes 1-2 billing cycles.

Top 5 Electric Suppliers in Philadelphia

The residential electricity market in Philadelphia (PECO service territory) has over 100 active suppliers. To help you navigate the noise, we have applied our rigorous methodology to score providers based on Price & Value (35%), Reliability & Complaints (20%), Fees & Fine Print (15%), Plan Breadth (10%), Independent Trust Signals (10%), and Customer Sentiment (10%).

Below are the top 5 providers for 2025 that offer the best balance of stability, transparency, and value.

1. Energy Harbor – 4.7/5.0

Best Overall Value & Flexibility

Energy Harbor is a major independent power producer and retailer headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Born from the restructuring of FirstEnergy Solutions, they have established themselves as a “safe harbor” in the market, operating a massive fleet of carbon-free nuclear generation assets that provide them with unique financial stability compared to smaller marketing firms.

Why They Rank Here: Energy Harbor takes the #1 spot because they effectively “de-risk” the shopping experience. While their rates (~12.49¢/kWh) are competitive, their true value lies in their contract terms. Unlike most competitors, their standard “Safe Harbor” plans typically carry a $0 Early Termination Fee (ETF). This means you lock in a fixed rate to protect against price spikes, but you retain the freedom to switch away immediately if market rates drop, making it a mathematically superior option for consumers.

What People in Philly Are Saying: Philadelphia residents frequently cite Energy Harbor as a “no-nonsense” alternative to PECO. Forum discussions highlight the ease of their digital enrollment process and the lack of aggressive sales calls, with users describing the switch as “seamless and straightforward”.

Best For: Renters and homeowners who want price protection without being locked into a rigid contract.

2. Direct Energy – 4.5/5.0

Best for Long-Term Stability

As a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Direct Energy is one of the largest retail energy providers in North America. They serve millions of customers and are known for their “Live Brighter” brand, offering a wide array of term lengths and smart-home bundles backed by the resources of a Fortune 500 energy titan.

Why They Rank Here: Direct Energy ranks second due to their impressive plan stability and breadth. They are one of the few providers to consistently offer 18-month fixed-rate terms, allowing Philadelphia consumers to lock in a rate that bridges multiple winter volatility cycles. Their current “Live Brighter” plans in the PECO territory also frequently feature $0 cancellation fees, matching the flexibility of our top pick.

What People in Philly Are Saying: Reviews from local customers generally characterize Direct Energy as a “set it and forget it” option. While some users note receiving renewal marketing, informed consumers appreciate the reliability of their billing and the ability to manage their account easily online.

Best For: Homeowners looking to lock in a rate for 18+ months to budget through 2026 and 2027.

3. The Energy Co-op – 4.2 / 5.0

Best Ethical & Local Choice

Founded in 1979, The Energy Co-op is a Philadelphia-based non-profit cooperative owned by its members. Distinct from standard suppliers, they focus entirely on sustainable energy solutions, offering renewable electricity and renewable natural gas (RNG) sourced directly from Pennsylvania projects.

Why They Rank Here: The Co-op is the clear winner for trust and transparency. They do not rank higher solely due to price; their model includes a $37/month membership/facilities fee which makes them expensive for low-usage households . However, for high-usage homes, this fee structure can actually be competitive, and their commitment to verified local renewable sources is unmatched by corporate competitors.

What People in Philly Are Saying: The Energy Co-op has a devoted cult following in Philadelphia. Reddit users consistently recommend them as the “only ethical choice,” stating that they trust the Co-op to “do what PECO would never dare” regarding green energy sourcing.

Best For: Eco-conscious homeowners and high-usage households who prioritize supporting local, ethical business models over the absolute lowest cost.

4. Constellation – 4.1 / 5.0

Best for Risk-Averse Buyers

Constellation is a leading competitive energy provider and a major generator of carbon-free energy in the U.S. Based in Baltimore, they are a familiar name in the Mid-Atlantic region, known for professional service and integration with smart home ecosystems like Vivint and Nest.

Why They Rank Here: Constellation earns high marks for their unique 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. While their standard rates (~13.99¢/kWh) are often higher than the cheapest options, this guarantee allows new customers to terminate their contract within the first three months without paying the standard $150 early termination fee. This “test drive” feature provides a safety net that most other suppliers do not offer.

What People in Philly Are Saying: Sentiment around Constellation is often framed as a “safe return” for customers who have been burned by smaller, predatory companies. Users describe them as a reliable, professional entity that avoids the billing errors common with budget-tier providers.

Best For: First-time switchers who are nervous about leaving PECO and want a risk-free trial period.

5. APG&E (American Power & Gas) – 3.8 / 5.0

Best for Active Deal Hunters

APG&E is a mid-sized retail electricity provider that competes aggressively on price. They are often found at the top of comparison tables, utilizing a lean business model to offer rates that undercut the major incumbents.

Why They Rank Here: They make the Top 5 strictly on the “Price & Value” metric. APG&E frequently offers some of the lowest introductory fixed rates in the market (often near 12.48¢/kWh), beating out larger competitors. However, they score lower on “Fees & Fine Print” due to the presence of Early Termination Fees and the need for consumers to be vigilant about renewal notices to avoid variable rate spikes.

What People in Philly Are Saying: Feedback is mixed; savvy consumers praise them for having the “lowest price” when shopping, while less organized users warn about price jumps after the contract ends. One user noted, “APG&E just happened to have the lowest price… I don’t have a problem going for 3 or 6 months,” highlighting their appeal to active switchers.

Best For: Organized, price-sensitive consumers who set calendar reminders and are willing to switch suppliers every 6-12 months to get the absolute lowest rate.

Learn more about top electric suppliers in our Best Pennsylvania Electric Suppliers Rankings

Why Trust These Rankings?

The retail energy market in Pennsylvania is crowded with over 100 suppliers, many of whom use “teaser rates” and confusing terms to attract customers. Unlike automated comparison engines that rank solely by the lowest advertised price, our rankings are curated by industry experts who analyze the entire contract lifecycle.

We dig into the fine print to find hidden monthly fees, verify “Early Termination Fee” policies, and cross-reference our findings with complaint data from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Utility Consumer Activities Report and Evaluation (UCARE). We also incorporate real feedback from verified Philadelphia residents on platforms like Reddit and Trustpilot to ensure our “Reliability” scores reflect actual customer experiences.

For a detailed breakdown of how we calculate these scores, please view our Full Methodology.

Natural Gas: Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)

Philadelphia has the largest municipally owned gas utility in the country.

Setting Up Service

• Contact: Call 215-235-1000 or visit a PGW Customer Service Center.
• Identity Verification: PGW often requires two forms of ID. If you have a thin credit file, you may need to visit a service center in person to verify your identity.
• Timing: Call at least 7 days before your move to ensure service is on.

Understanding Gas Choice (Deregulation)

Just like electricity, the natural gas market in Pennsylvania is deregulated.

• The Choice: You can buy your gas supply from PGW (the default) or from a licensed third-party supplier. The selection is typically much smaller than electricity. When shopping for gas in Philly, you are often looking for long-term price stability (locking in a rate before winter) rather than finding a “rock bottom” price that beats PGW by a large margin.
• The Bill: Even if you switch suppliers to save money, PGW will still send the bill, maintain the pipes, and respond to emergencies.
• Rates: Because PGW is owned by the City of Philadelphia and operates as a non-profit, its rates are often very lean, making it harder (though not impossible) for alternative suppliers to offer significant savings.
• Safety: If you smell gas, always call PGW immediately at 215-235-1000, regardless of who your supplier is.

Privacy Tip: The “Opt-Out” List

By default, PGW is required to release your name, address, and usage history to private gas suppliers for marketing purposes.

• Stop the Junk Mail: If you do not want your data shared with solicitors, you must explicitly Opt-Out.
• How to do it: You can update your preferences in your online PGW account or call 215-235-1000 to request removal from the supplier marketing list.

The “Parts & Labor” Plan (Local Tip)

Many Philadelphia homes have older boilers or radiators. PGW offers a Parts & Labor Plan (starting around $140/year) that acts as an insurance policy for your heater. If your heat goes out in January, this plan covers the repairs. It is highly recommended for new homeowners of older properties.

Trash & Recycling: The Streets Department

Sanitation is free, but the rules are strict. Violations result in “SWEEP” fines.

Collection Schedule

• When: Trash is collected once a week.
• 2026 Expansion: Starting January 5, 2026, twice-a-week collection expands to parts of North Philadelphia (Vine St. to Hunting Park Ave) to combat litter. Center City and South Philly already have twice-weekly service as of late 2024.
• Holidays: If a holiday falls on a weekday, trash pickup is delayed one day for the rest of the week.

The “Meatball” Warning: Bulk Item & Tire Pickup

Locals often refer to large, tricky items like tires as “meatballs” because if you leave them out incorrectly, they stick around forever and attract fines. You cannot simply put a fridge or tire on the curb with your regular trash.

The New Bulk Collection Rules (Appointment Required): As of late 2024, Philadelphia requires an appointment for large metal items and tires.

1. Schedule It: You must make an appointment online at the Streets Department website for items like refrigerators, air conditioners, and tires.
2. The Limits: You are limited to 4 items per appointment.
3. Prep Work:
   • Fridges: Doors must be removed for safety.
   • Tires: Rims must be removed.
   • Labeling: You must label the item with your specific “Pickup Code” assigned during scheduling.
4. Avoid the Fine: If you put these items out without an appointment code, you risk a swift “SWEEP” ticket for illegal dumping.

Equipment

• Trash: You provide your own bins (max 40 lbs per bag).
• Recycling: You must use a recycling bin.
• Get a Free Bin: Residents can pick up a free recycling bin at any of the 6 Sanitation Convenience Centers. Bring proof of residence.

Sanitation Convenience Centers

Missed trash day? Moving and have too much stuff? You can drop off trash, recycling, and bulk items Mon-Sat (8am-6pm) at centers like the one on Delaware Ave or in West Philly.

Internet & Connectivity

It is largely a battle between Xfinity and Verizon Fios, with a local challenger.

Provider	Type	Best For
Verizon Fios	Fiber Optic	Speed & Uploads. Fios is widely available in Philly and offers symmetrical speeds (e.g., 300/300 Mbps).
Xfinity (Comcast)	Cable	Bundles. Headquartered in Philly, they have 99% coverage and aggressive TV/Mobile bundles.
PhillyWisper	Fixed Wireless	Local Support. A local favorite offering flat $50/mo pricing, no contracts, and excellent customer service. Requires line-of-sight to their towers.

Student Focus: University Internet (UPenn, Drexel, Temple)

If you are a student living off-campus, your utility needs are different. You likely only need service for 9-12 months, making standard 2-year contracts a financial trap.

• Short-Term Lease Strategy: Always look for “No Term Contract” plans. While the monthly rate might be $5-$10 higher, you avoid early termination fees (ETFs) that can exceed $200 when you move out in May.
• PhillyWisper for Students: If you live in Temple University off-campus housing, Fishtown, or Northern Liberties, check PhillyWisper. Their $50/mo flat rate has no contract and no hidden equipment fees, making it ideal for student houses.
• Student Discounts:
  • Xfinity: Offers specific student plans with visa prepaid card incentives.
  • Verizon Fios: Offers a student discount (often ~$10/mo off) if you verify enrollment via their portal.

Logistics: Avoiding the “Lost Equipment” Fee

The most common mistake students make is leaving their modem/router behind or forgetting to return it during finals week. Unreturned equipment fees can hit $120 to $200.

Where to return your modem:

• Xfinity/Comcast:
  • Center City: 1429 Walnut St (near UPenn/Drexel).
  • Any UPS Store: They will pack and ship it back to Comcast for free. Keep the receipt!
• Verizon Fios:
  • Do NOT take it to a Verizon sales store. Most authorized retailers cannot accept equipment returns.
  • The UPS Store: This is the official return channel.
  • UPenn/Drexel Area: 3720 Spruce St or 21st & South St.
  • Temple Area: 1755 N 13th St (Student Center).
    

Learn more in the Student Utility Setup Guide

The “Philly Mover” Logistics Toolkit

Parking Permits for Moving Trucks

Philadelphia streets are narrow. You cannot just double-park a moving truck.

• The Permit: You need a “Temporary No Parking” permit from the Streets Department.
• Cost: $25 per day (General) or $50 per day (Center City/University City) for 40 feet of space.
• Process: Apply online at least 4 business days in advance. After approval, you must pick up the “No Parking” signs and post them 24 hours before your move.

Stop the Junk Mail (“Circular Free”)

Philly rowhomes are plagued by menus and circulars piling up on stoops.

• The Fix: You can apply for a Circular-Free Property Decal from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Once you stick this decal on your door or window, it is illegal for advertisers to leave flyers.

Useful Numbers

• PECO (Electric Emergency): 1-800-841-4141
• PGW (Gas Leak): 215-235-1000
• Water Revenue Bureau: 215-685-6300
• Philly311: Dial 3-1-1 for pothole repairs, missed trash, or illegal dumping reports.

Conservation & Green Energy Choices

Philadelphia is very eco-forward with:

• Water conservation: PWD offers free filters, advice through Neighborhood Energy Centers.
• Stormwater help: Programs like RainCheck help homes manage runoff and reduce sewage overflow .
• Clean electricity: Choose 100% renewable REPs like Verde or Constellation; PECO also sources some solar on your behalf.
• Wastewater energy: Biogas-powered plants significantly reduce city energy use .

Quick Start Checklist

Utility	Who to Contact	Pro Tips
Electricity	PECO to open account; shop REPs for supplier	Compare rates, contract, green options
Natural Gas	PGW	Check pipeline safety & repair updates
Water/Sewer	Philadelphia Water Department	Sign up for conservation assistance
Trash/Recycling	Sanitation Dept via 311	Learn your recycling/compost schedule
Internet	Xfinity, Verizon Fios, T-Mobile	Check deals & speed tiers for your needs

Save Money and Energy with Energy Efficiency Rebates in Philadelphia

Residential customers of PGW can recieve rebates on items such as furnaces, foilers and tankless water heaters through the PGW EnergySense rebate program. Rebates can range anywhere from $250 all the way up to $2000. Rebates are also available on air sealing and insulation products. Additionally customers can recieve a $70 instant rebate on a smart thermostat in the PGW Marketplace.

The city of Philadelphia also has a solar rebate program. The rebate is based on the system size of the project and is available for residential and commercial projects.

Rebates and discounts are also available through PECO on ENERGY STAR appliances, energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, high-efficiency water heaters, energy efficient new homes and solar projects. Some items are even eligible for instant in-store discounts at Home Depot, Lowes, Dollar Tree, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill and other Local Hardware Retailers. Additionally instant rebates are available on small appliances and smart thermostats in the PECO Marketplace.

Get Financial Aid for Your Utility Bills in Philadelphia

If you’re struggling with your utility bills, don’t worry there are programs in Philadelphia that can help!

The Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)’s Utility Emergency Services Fund offers assistance to low-income households facing utility shut-offs. To qualify, you’ll need to be a Philadelphia resident with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, along with meeting a few other requirements. You can check your eligibility by following the link above.

Another great resource is the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If your household is at risk of losing heat, you may qualify for a one-time crisis grant. This program can help if you’re dealing with broken heating equipment, running out of fuel, or facing a utility shut-off.

Philadelphia Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Philadelphia