I do not know the situation in PA so I cannot comment on the specific causes of your rate increases. In the long run, market control of energy production under reasonable (cost benefit considerations) environmental constraints will result in lower rates and improved service. The problem with deregulation is that politicians have put onerous constraints on the industry. In Texas, environmentalists and politicians persuaded the utility commission to cancel plans to build coal fired plants and substitute wind power with far flung transmission lines. Political control is the cause of the blackouts, not market forces.
But in the end it should come down to real Americans paying less due to real competition. In PA we’re paying more with little competition and politicians have been handed money from the industry. Google it.
Today corporate America has undue control over politicians instead of us customers having control over corporate America.
That is the essence of the free market that many of us support, but is instead squelched by those who control the politicians. If you think not, ask only why manufacturers were given the right by the SCOTUS to set minimal retail prices.
Try to buy Titleist golf balls at a discount. Can’t do it. Manufacturer sets the price. Our “free market” is corrupted by big business and politicians on the take. .