Scranton, PA is the sixth-largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and serves as the county seat in Lackawanna County. Nestled within the northeastern region of the state, Scranton resides along the Lackawanna River and is known for its ties to the anthracite coal mining industry that once governed most of Pennsylvania.

Energy Deregulation in Scranton

Due to its northern location, energy costs in Scranton can be quite high and they vary from area to area throughout the city. Fortunately for residents, the city operates an entirely deregulated energy market. This effort became official in 2002 with the passing of House Bill 1509, which deregulated the market in most of the state.

For residents of Scranton this meant they were no longer required to receive their electricity from their area utility and could instead shop for rates from a number of different providers.

The city still has a utility that manages the actual poles and wires throughout Scranton.  However, when it comes to choosing the actual electrical service, residents now have the power to choose which supplier provides them with their energy.

With deregulation, consumers can not only choose who their supplier is but pick options such as variable rate plans, short-term plans or simply shop for the lowest rate possible.

There are also options to choose green electrical plans, or energy that comes from renewable resources, for those who want a more eco-friendly option for their home or business property. AEP Energy is working on making more green options available to those in Scranton.

Scranton?s Electricity Providers

Before deregulation hit, Scranton, PA residents simply purchased their energy from the local utility, PPL Electric. Today, when residents want to shop for their electrical plans they can choose to continue to receive service from PPL, or they can shop for plans from local retail suppliers.

There are three primary energy providers that service the greater Scranton area. These suppliers are TriEagle, Zoom and North American Power. Each supplier offers their own unique plans, features and add-ons for consumers living in the greater Scranton area.

History and Culture

Scranton?s history began back in 1956 when the city was officially incorporated as a borough. During this time the community was known for its work within the electric and coal industries. In 1886, the city operated the first streetcars in America powered by electricity. This earned the city the nickname the ?Electric City.?

Those who visit Scranton will find that there are several museums that detail the prominence of electricity in the United States and the ties that this Pennsylvania town had to its development.

Other attractions include the Houdini Museum which honors magician Harry Houdini and the Montage Mountain Ski resort. Those who have a flair for the supernatural can take one of the city?s many ghost-themed walking tours around the historic town.

Population

Home to nearly 80,000 residents, Scranton is the largest in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazelton metropolitan area, a community that boasts a population of more than 570,000 residents. This area, also known as the Wyoming Valley is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the region.

Scranton is split up into six major areas, each with its own unique personality and its own individual smaller neighborhoods. These areas are Minooka, West Side, South

Side, the Hill Section, North Scranton and Downtown.  The Hill Section is the largest residential community in the area, while Downtown is filled with hotels, cultural centers and several historic sites.