February Market Pricing Analysis

February 2026 Energy Market Update: Competitive Pricing Offers Big Savings for Businesses and Homes

In today's volatile energy landscape—marked by recent winter storms driving up demand and spot prices—the good news is that competitive suppliers in deregulated markets are delivering strong options. Our latest data shows Matrix rates (competitive supplier offerings) significantly undercutting utility default or Price to Compare (PTC) rates across many states for both commercial and residential customers on electricity and natural gas.

This creates prime opportunities for businesses and households to lock in lower costs before potential rebounds from ongoing demand pressures (like data center growth) or lingering weather impacts.

Commercial Electricity: Matrix Rates Beating Utility PTCs

Across deregulated states like CT, MA, NY, OH, PA, and more, competitive "Best Matrix Rates" are consistently lower than utility PTCs, often by 1-5¢/kWh or more.

Pricing Highlights (Electricity - Commercial):

• MA (various Eversource/National Grid zones): Matrix rates around 10.5-11.4¢/kWh vs. PTCs 14-15¢/kWh (savings up to ~30-40%).

• NY (National Grid zones): As low as 8.1-10.2¢/kWh vs. 13.2¢/kWh PTC.

• OH (AEP Ohio, Toledo Edison): 8.4-8.5¢/kWh vs. ~9.7-10.2¢/kWh.

• PA (PECO, West Penn): 8.8-10¢/kWh vs. 9.9-11¢/kWh.

• ME/NH: Rates dipping below 9-10¢/kWh vs. higher PTCs in the 11-13¢ range.

  
  

In competitive bid scenarios, some markets saw even deeper discounts:

• Texas zones: Bids as low as 5.1-6.4¢/kWh, beating Matrix/best rates by 2-13 mils.

• Ohio (Duke Energy): Bids ~6.4-6.7¢/kWh vs. higher Matrix.

• Maryland/Illinois: Bids saving 11-18 mils.

  
  

National commercial averages hover around 13-14¢/kWh (per recent EIA and market reports), but in deregulated areas, switching can yield 15-40% savings on supply costs.

Commercial Natural Gas: Substantial Discounts Available

Natural gas prices have eased after January's cold snap spikes (Henry Hub spot hit records temporarily but retreated), with futures settling lower.

Key Competitive Rates (Natural Gas - Commercial):

• CA (SoCalGas/PG&E): 36-53.7¢/therm vs. PTCs 49-72¢.

• IL/NJ: Around 35-38¢/therm vs. higher PTCs up to 79¢.

• MA: 68-72¢/therm vs. 94-95¢.

• OH/PA: 38-61¢/therm vs. PTCs often 50-79¢.

  
  

Competitive bids in states like MA, IL, OH showed savings of 3-24 cents/therm over Matrix rates.

Residential Opportunities: Lower Rates in Key States

Residential customers in deregulated markets are also seeing advantages:

• Electricity — MA/NJ/OH/PA: Matrix rates 8-16¢/kWh vs. PTCs 9-18¢ (e.g., OH zones ~8-9¢ vs. 9-10¢+).

• Natural Gas — NJ/OH/PA/VA: 49-69¢/therm vs. PTCs up to 79¢.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Act

With recent weather-driven volatility subsiding and forward curves indicating stability (though upside risks remain from demand growth), competitive suppliers are offering attractive fixed-term deals (6-60 months) that hedge against future increases.

Businesses and homeowners in deregulated states (e.g., IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX) can often secure better rates through brokers or direct switches—no upfront fees, just potential savings on supply charges.

Don't let your contract roll to expensive variable/utility rates. A quick review of your usage could uncover immediate opportunities.

Ready to explore lower rates? Contact a trusted energy broker for a no-obligation quote and see how much you could save in 2026.

Data based on February 2026 market matrices from competitive suppliers. National averages and trends informed by EIA and industry sources (as of mid-February 2026). Rates vary by usage, term, and location—always verify current offers.