Many of you requested that I post what I learned through my request on the listserv about energy options. The following are the responses I received.
Thank you to all who responded, the information is extremely helpful.
The state web page http://www.papowerswitch.com/
I made the switch back in July and have found it beneficial. My costs have gone down, there is no interruption in service, or billing (as the bills still come through DQL) and overall I am pleased with making the switch. It was an easy transition. I chose First Energy solutions as this was offered to me through my employer, but I would assume all of the other options would be an easy transition also.
I have researched the alternative providers and we chose FirstEnergy Solutions since their current rate is 7.10 cents per kWh for electric generation as opposed to Duquesne Lights 9.32 cents per kWh. You may want to review the information on this link http://www.oca.state.pa.us/Industry/Electric/elecomp/dqrs.pdf You will still receive billing from Duquesne Light since they distribute the electricity regardless of who you choose to for electricity generation. Good luck with your decision.
one option u are not seeing is provided by a local "green energy cooperative". the power is %100 wind power generation and is the cheapest price in the DQE market. you can sign up on line for one or two year contracts at the current low price by going to "citizenpower.org". also spread the word. otherwise all other generators differ by price and length of contract only. a two year lock in is a little unusual but the length of contract is important to be aware of. if clean energy matters to u the co-op is the best deal and non-profit to boot. i believe they are about two cents cheaper per/kwh. that is huge in the utility business.
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To be content with little is hard; to be content with much, impossible.
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach