PECO is raising electricity, natural gas prices starting next month

Some Pennsylvania residents will kick off the New Year with higher electricity bills.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved PECO's request for rate increases in a joint settlement that will take effect starting January 1.

Electricity rates will increase by 10 percent every month, and monthly natural gas rates will rise 12 and a half percent.

While all customers will see a hike in their monthly bills, the amount will vary based on how much power they use each month.

PECO, which serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and parts of York and Lancaster Counties, says the price hike will help fund its billion-dollar investment to improve its infrastructure.