Changing Energy Rates

Higher electric generation prices are being driven by increased demand. With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, demand is reaching record levels.

As a result, the generation, or supply, portion of your bill will continue to fluctuate. These rates may change up to four times a year.

If you are enrolled with an electric generation supplier, this is shown as the supply rate on your monthly bill. If you choose not to shop for a supplier, DLC automatically places you on the Default Service Supply rate, also called the “Price to Compare” (PTC). We work with energy suppliers to obtain electricity for our region. These generation costs are passed directly to you, meaning that we do not profit from electric generation costs.

Your monthly bill pays for the electricity you use and how it gets to you. Here’s how each of your dollars is spent:

Residential customers:

 

Commercial customers: 

Electric generation suppliers generate the electricity. We maintain the transmission of this electricity to substations. We also distribute this power to your home or business through our wires, poles and transformers.  

Learn more about electric generation, transmission and distribution below. 

Review the current and upcoming residential and commercial rates. These are the rates you will pay if you choose not to shop for an alternate supplier.

DLC is an electric distribution company and does not generate the electricity that powers your home and/or business. We work with energy suppliers to obtain electricity for our region. All power generation costs are passed through directly to you from these energy suppliers, meaning that we do not profit from electric generation. 

When a rate change occurs, you receive a bill that shows two different supply rate lines under the Supply Charges section on page two of your bill:



 

DLC offers two default supply rate options, including a Default Service Standard Supply Rate and a Time-of-Use (TOU) Supply Rate. The Default Supply Rate is offered at the 'Price to Compare' and stays the same throughout the day. The TOU Supply Rate varies depending on the time of day. During off-peak and super off-peak hours, such as mornings, nights and weekends, the TOU Supply Rate is always lower than the Standard Supply Rate. During peak hours, like weekday afternoons, it is higher. If you can shift major electricity use away from peak hours, you may be able to save money by choosing the TOU Supply Rate.

Including these two default service rate options, DLC encourages you to evaluate all available options regarding the supply portion of your bill. It will help you find the best rate in addition to receiving the type of service that most suits you. Learn more about comparing rates and shopping for a supplier.  

Check to see if you are enrolled in the default rate or are with a signed up with a supplier on page two of your bill under Supply Charges. If you are enrolled with an electric generation supplier and would like to switch to DLC, go to the Supplier Information section under Account Settings. Additionally, you can check your Account Settings if you are unsure who is supplying your electricity. 
 
NOTE: If you elect to switch to the default rate or want to choose another supplier, be sure to contact your current supplier for information about the terms and conditions of your contract. There could be fees for terminating your agreement with your supplier. 

Sign up for budget billing. Life is unpredictable, but your electric bill does not have to be. Budget Billing is a free service for DLC customers that allows for consistent, monthly payments. You’ll pay the cost of the monthly usage average from the past 12 months.

Review your energy consumption habits. Small actions can help you save energy and money. You can track your home’s daily electric usage on our website or DLC Mobile, our free app available on Apple and Android devices. 

Get connected to energy efficiency rebates, weatherization products and resources that will help make your home and/or business more energy efficient.

Consider DLC’s Time-of-Use Supply Rate, which offers a lower price than the Standard Supply Rate during off-peak and super off-peak hours, such as mornings, nights, and weekends. By shifting some of your electricity use to these times, you can take advantage of the lower rates and potentially reduce your overall energy costs.

Apply for payment assistance. DLC offers many resources for income-eligible customers in need of financial support. Income-eligible customers can review our Payment Assistance resources for help with their bills.

Take simple actions to conserve energy and save money on your utility bills. You can track your business’ daily electric usage on our website or DLC Mobile, our free app available on Apple and Android devices. 

Access energy efficiency rebates, products and resources tailored for your business needs through DLC’s Energy Efficiency Business program. 

Need help getting your payments back on track? DLC offers payment arrangements to help customers pay their account balance in monthly installments. If you’re a business customer interested in applying for payment assistance, call us at 412-393-7300.

Consider DLC’s Time-of-Use Supply Rate, which offers a lower price than the Standard Supply Rate during off-peak and super off-peak hours, such as mornings, nights, and weekends. By shifting some of your electricity use to these times, you can take advantage of the lower rates and potentially reduce your overall energy costs.