Price to Compare: What it Means & How to Use It

• The price to compare is the default energy supply rate from your utility company.

• You can find your price to compare listed directly on your energy bill.

• It is the best benchmark for comparing energy rates from competitive suppliers.

• Beyond rates, you should compare plans based on contract length, fees, and terms to find the best deal.

• Price to Compare is also the name of our online energy marketplace that simplifies shopping for homes and businesses.

What is the Price to Compare? 

Shopping for energy plans can feel confusing, especially if you don't know where to begin. The price to compare is the best place to start because it acts as a baseline to compare electricity plans and pricing against. Learn more about the price to compare and how you can use it to get a better deal for your home or business.

What Does Price to Compare Mean?

In deregulated energy markets, the price to compare (PTC) is the default energy supply rate offered by your local utility company. It's the rate you pay for electricity or natural gas if you don't choose a plan from a competitive energy provider. The PTC will vary depending on your utility, where you live, and whether you're a residential or commercial customer. Think of it as a starting point for energy shopping, acting as a trustworthy benchmark to compare energy rates and plans from multiple providers.

Why Does the Price to Compare Matter?

Without a reference point, comparing rates and plans across dozens of providers can feel like a guessing game. The price to compare is a regulated rate, so it gives you a strong reference point to know if you're getting the best pricing in your area. Starting with the PTC can help you make faster, smarter energy decisions that lead to long-term savings.

Where Can You Find the Price to Compare on Your Bill?

Your price to compare can be found on your most recent energy bill. While utilities don't all use the same layout or terminology, it can usually be found in the supply portion of your bill. For the electricity price to compare, it will be listed as a cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while natural gas is either a price per therm or price per hundred cubic feet (Ccf). The PTC is usually listed alongside delivery charges and other utility-related fees. If you've already chosen a retail energy provider, you can find your utility's current price to compare on their website or your state's electric choice comparison site.

Compare Energy Rates & Plans in 5 Easy Steps

Fortunately, comparing energy rates doesn't have to be complicated. In a few quick steps, you can size up your energy options in minutes.

1. Locate the price to compare on your most recent energy bill.

2. Note your current rate per kWh, so you have a number to measure against.

3. Explore energy suppliers, rates, and plans available in your area.

4. Compare each plan’s contract terms and fees, not just the advertised rate.

5. Choose the plan that best fits your needs, budget, and preferences.

Is a Lower Energy Rate Always the Right Choice?

While the lowest advertised rate can seem appealing, it doesn't always mean you're getting the best deal. Before you sign up, check whether the rate is fixed or variable, since variable pricing shifts over time. It's also important to review the contract length, monthly fees, cancellation charges, and promotional terms. Some plans even offer a low introductory rate that increases after the promotional period ends. Comparing all these details will give you a much clearer picture of the plan's real cost.

Price to Compare vs. Total Electric Bill: What's the Difference?

It's common to assume the PTC and your total electric bill are the same number, but they're not. The electric price to compare is tied only to the supply portion of your bill, or the portion based on how much energy your home or business consumes. Your total electric bill includes your supply costs as well as additional fees for delivery, taxes, and other utility-related charges.  

When you compare electricity plans with the price to compare, you're specifically comparing the supply portion of the bill. Delivery, taxes, and other utility-related fees will remain, regardless of the supplier you choose. Understanding these differences can help you make sense of why a supplier's offer might not match your total electricity costs.  

How Often Does the Price to Compare Change?

Utility companies update their price to compare several times per year on a set schedule to adjust pricing for seasonal needs, market conditions, or state regulations. No two utilities are alike. Some update their rates quarterly, every six months, or somewhere in between. That's why it's so important to use the PTC listed on your most recent energy bill when comparing plans.

Price To Compare is Also Your Energy Marketplace

While the price to compare helps you evaluate rates and plans, it's also the name of our online energy marketplace. We designed Price To Compare to make it faster and easier to compare energy rates and plans from multiple providers all in one convenient place. Whether you're shopping for your home or business, our mission is to connect you to the best rates from top providers in your area. When you're ready to start energy shopping, look no further than Price To Compare.

Where Can You Use Your Price to Compare?

The price to compare isn't just for homeowners. Whether you're managing your household budget or running a business, it gives you a reliable starting point for comparing energy options.

Compare Energy Rates for Your Home

Shopping for residential electricity rates is pretty simple and straightforward. Most homeowners and renters can compare rates and enroll entirely online. Start by comparing your PTC with what competitive suppliers are offering in your area. Make sure to review the contract length, terms, and additional fees before signing up. At Price To Compare, we simplify the process by providing side-by-side plan comparisons in one convenient place. In just a few clicks, you can pick a plan and finalize enrollment.

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Explore Business Energy Solutions

Energy costs are a growing expense for any business, and even small differences in your supply rate can add up over time. Your price to compare acts as a transparent benchmark, while the business energy advisors at Price to Compare give you the insights and recommendations you need to make an informed decision. Our team does the research for you, providing personalized recommendations tailored to your business needs. We help you compare commercial electricity rates and contract structures so you can make sure your plan makes sense for your company's budget and usage patterns.

‍Frequently Asked Questions About the Price to Compare

Is the price to compare the same as the rate I pay my energy supplier?

The price to compare is the default rate from your utility. While your utility will offer a variable rate based on market conditions; a retail energy supplier can offer higher, lower, or similar fixed-rate plans that offer more cost stability. When you compare electricity plans, the price to compare is a smart baseline to determine whether you're being offered a good deal.

Why is my price to compare different from someone else’s?

Your price to compare depends on your utility, location, and the type of customer you are. Default utility rates will vary by region, provider, and current market conditions, so customers in neighboring cities with separate utility companies will likely have different prices to compare.

Can I save money if an energy plan is below the price to compare?

If your chosen energy plan is less than your utility's price to compare, you can save more money over time. However, make sure to check the plan's contract length, fees, and terms to confirm it's actually a better deal.  

Why does my utility have a price to compare?

Utility rates are regulated by their state Public Utilities Commission, so they're a trustworthy benchmark for energy shopping. The price to compare is a great starting point for comparing energy rates and plans from different providers.

How does a utility decide the price to compare?

Utilities calculate their price to compare using wholesale energy costs and other market conditions specific to your area. Utility rates update on a set schedule, typically twice per year, so they will shift over time.  

Can I use the price to compare if I already have an energy supplier?

Absolutely! You can weigh the price to compare against your plan's energy rates to decide if switching or renewing with your current supplier makes sense. This is a smart comparison to make before your energy contract expires.

What happens to the price to compare when I switch energy suppliers?

Nothing changes. Your utility sets the price to compare, so it remains a strong reference point no matter who supplies your energy. Even if you choose a retail energy plan, you can always compare options using the price to compare as a benchmark.

What is a good price per kWh?

Good energy pricing depends on your location, usage, and current market. Nationwide, the average residential electricity rate is around 18.34¢/kWh while the average commercial electricity rate is 14.19¢/kWh. Our online marketplace makes it easy to compare residential electricity rates and business energy plans side-by-side.

What is the PTC when energy shopping?

PTC stands for price to compare, which is the default supply rate offered by your utility company. It's a helpful shorthand that's used across the deregulated energy industry.