An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for definitions and for duties of electric distribution companies.

SB 897 amends Pennsylvania's electric utility laws to change how distribution companies ensure reliable power supply. It directly affects electric utilities and their customers by creating a new process for addressing "resource inadequacy" (when power supply falls below safety buffers). The bill allows utilities to petition the state commission to invest in new generation resources (like natural gas, nuclear, battery storage, or renewables) if a resource shortage is proven, requiring them to first issue requests for proposals and obtain commission approval within nine months. Utilities may then use long-term agreements or direct ownership to fund these projects, with costs passed to customers via nonbypassable surcharges.