All non-government owned utilities are regulated by the Pennsylvania public utilities commission, which is an arm of the state government. That’s better oversight than most industries get on fees. Your local bank can charge whatever it wants for your checking account. The free market will determine whether they’re successful or not.

Your local utility does not have that same freedom. Every rate change is scrutinized in a public rate making process the plays out in Harrisburg. As a customer you have the right to attend the hearings if you choose. I realize most won’t ever go. But it’s available. Which is more than most industries have in terms of price oversight.