With less than a month before price caps disappear and deregulate the market for electric companies in Philadelphia, suppliers are gearing up marketing campaigns to sway prospective customers.

After Jan. 1, Philadelphia residents—like others in the commonwealth—will have the option of switching suppliers and potentially saving money on electric bills. Current provider PECO will still generate power, and perform maintenance when needed. What changes is now people may pick specific suppliers based on rates, location and energy generation.

Jennifer Kocher, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, said choosing energy companies really depends on a person's preference.

"Some people are driven by price and that's their sole motivation. 'What's the lowest and how long can I keep it there?'..." she said. "For other customers the big motivator is the source of electricity."

In 2011, 17 suppliers will hit the Philadelphia market. Kocher said the commission licensed all of them based on financial stability, and has the oversight to revoke licenses if suppliers mislead the public.

To ease the burden and headaches associated with potentially switching energy providers. The commission created a website called PAPowerSwitch.com. Though many factors are involved, Kocher said there are elements to pay particular attention to: whether a rate is fixed or adjustable and if there are termination fees associated canceling service.

Some companies will offer rates that seem comparable to PECO, so people may be dissuaded from switching. Kocher put prices in perspective.

"People struggle with the idea of 1 cent per kilowatt hours and say it's not worth their time," she said. "An average home uses 10,000 to 12,000 kilowatt hours per year. So you could save about $120 a year if it's cheaper."

Previously PECO presented energy options to local civic groups, and other have approached leaders about discussing their own groups. Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association President Andrew Bantly outlined tips Dec. 6 on what residents need to prepare for if they're interested in switching. His intention—keeping the group informed.

"I didn't want a sales pitch, just an info session. I didn't realize how many different energy companies there are in Pennsylvania," he said. "The fact of the matter is that this will open up the markets."

To simplify the issue, he compared choosing an electric company to a cell phone provider.

"You're basically determining your own cell phone plan for your electric bill. Do I want this? Do I want that?" he asked.

In Chestnut Hill, alternative provider the Energy Cooperative discussed the switch Dec. 6, and encouraged residents to signup for its service.

Compared to PECO, which will offer $0.0992 per kilowatt hour, the cooperative offers two packages—EcoChoice20, which provides residential customers with 20 percent renewable electricity for $0.0928 per kilowatt hour; and EcoChoice100, which provides 100 percent renewable electricity for $0.0978 per kilowatt hour. Both plans offer these prices on a fixed rate for the entire 2011 calendar year with no cancellation fee to members who join the cooperative, which involves an annual membership fee of $15. 

Other companies offering rates include, BlueStar Energy ($0.08878 per kilowatt hour; fixed), Energy Plus Holdings ($0.0895 per kilowatt hour; variable); and Spark Energy ($0.0893; fixed). For a complete list, click here.

Over the past few years, energy territories throughout Pennsylvania have opened up, with Philadelphia being one of the last four. Kocher said some areas saw low switch rates. However, nearly 500,000 PPL customers switched to alternate providers over the last year, which is about 35 percent of its service base.

Above anything else, Kocher said people need to know PECO will provide the same customer service it always has.

"People think they'll be blacklisted by PECO. They think they'll be the last one helped in a power outage. That's not true," she said, adding the utility is mandated to be equal to everyone.

After a switch, there is a two to six week lag time, depending on when meter readings are. And if it is all too much, or you are happy with service, doing nothing will leave exactly where you are now—with PECO. 

For more information, visit PAPowerSwitch.com.