Energy (Utility Regulation)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 15, 2026

HB 2691: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in powers and duties, further providing for data to be supplied by electric utilities.

This bill requires electric utilities in Pennsylvania to include specific information about their energy storage plans in their annual reports to the state commission. Specifically, the law mandates that these companies provide an assessment of how they use energy storage, including data on how quickly they can charge and discharge power under different economic conditions. The definitions clarify that energy storage refers to equipment that absorbs, holds, and releases electricity, while charge and discharge times measure the duration of these processes. This requirement is designed to give regulators better insight into how utilities plan to manage future electricity demand using storage technology. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates reporting on energy storage plans, advancing clean energy infrastructure and grid modernization.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Storage Utility Regulation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 2584: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Public Utility Commission, further providing for consumer protection and information.

This bill requires Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission to create a centralized online database tracking all utility rates and rate increase requests. The database must be searchable by company, entity, utility type, year, or docket number and will store information for at least the previous 20 years. The commission must update the database within 10 days of receiving a new rate increase request and may hire a third party to manage the system. This change directly affects utility customers by making historical pricing data more accessible and transparent.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens consumer protection by improving transparency of utility rates, aligning with the indicator to protect utility consumers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 4, 2026

SR 297: A Resolution urging the creation of an interstate compact to allow for a competitive electric transmission market to flourish in the best interest of the electric ratepayer and the economy in general.

This Senate resolution urges the creation of an interstate compact to foster a competitive market for electric transmission projects across state lines. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania's government officials, specifically the Governor and the Public Utility Commission, by recommending they support this regional agreement. Key provisions include standardizing permitting processes, ensuring equal treatment for all states and energy sources, and eliminating redundant regulations that could slow down grid modernization. The resolution aims to lower costs for consumers and stimulate economic growth by removing barriers that currently hinder the expansion of power infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes competitive electric transmission markets and regional cooperation to benefit ratepayers and the economy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission Utility Regulation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 724: An Act providing for regulation of large load customers and public utilities and for community benefits agreements between large load customers and community-based organizations; establishing the Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

This bill, known as the Data Center Fair Share Act, requires large data centers in Pennsylvania that consume significant amounts of electricity to negotiate binding agreements with local community organizations. These agreements must include specific, measurable benefits for the host community, such as job training or infrastructure support, and the bill also mandates that these facilities make financial contributions to help pay for local power grid upgrades. Additionally, the legislation creates a new fund to support low-income households with energy bills and directs state agencies to create temporary regulations within 120 days to enforce these new requirements on large energy users.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates community benefits and grid upgrades for data centers, strengthening energy infrastructure and ensuring fair resource distribution.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Utility Regulation

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signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 12, 2026

HB 2410: An Act making appropriations from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

This bill allocates state and federal funding to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support its operations and regulatory activities. It provides $98.1 million from state funds and $5.383 million in federal funds specifically for salaries, administrative expenses, and the enforcement of natural gas pipeline safety regulations. The legislation ensures that federal funds received by the commission cannot be reimbursed by utility companies, while the funding takes effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately if that date arrives later.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates $98.1M in state funding to support Public Utility Commission operations and regulatory activities, directly advancing budget appropriations for public services.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides funding to the Public Utility Commission for operational expenses and pipeline safety enforcement, supporting energy infrastructure regulation and consumer protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Utility Regulation

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 2264: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, providing for virtual power plant program.

This bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to create and implement virtual power plant programs by July 1, 2027, which allow customers with eligible energy technologies like solar panels or batteries to participate in grid services. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will review and approve these proposals within 180 days, requiring companies to set enrollment targets and include mechanisms for existing demand response programs. Participants can receive compensation for providing services such as peak load reduction, voltage support, and emergency grid services, with special provisions for low-income customers and disadvantaged communities to receive enhanced upfront payments. The program will establish operational rules for when and how often grid events can occur, including limits on event duration and advance notice requirements, while allowing customers to disenroll without penalties for nonperformance.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates virtual power plant programs integrating solar panels and batteries, promoting renewable energy adoption and grid modernization.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes adoption of renewable energy technologies like solar panels and batteries through virtual power plant programs, enhancing grid modernization and customer participation in energy technology.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Utility Regulation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 2184: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in powers and duties, providing for public interest; and, in rates and distribution systems, further providing for rates to be just and reasonable, for voluntary changes in rates and for rates fixed on complaint and investigation of costs of production.

HB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly requires PUC to consider tax revenue as a factor in utility decisions, aligning with fiscal responsibility under Budget & Taxes.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates PUC to consider renewables, energy efficiency, and environmental protection as key factors in utility decisions, directly advancing clean energy policies.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly requires PUC to consider 'environmental protection' as one of eight mandatory factors in utility decisions, alongside renewables and energy efficiency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Electric Grid Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation Environmental Justice

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 505: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for energy efficiency and conservation program.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities law regarding energy efficiency and conservation programs for electric distribution companies. It requires the Public Utility Commission to adopt an updated program, mandating these companies to implement plans focused on energy efficiency, conservation, and increasing consumer resilience to extreme weather events. The bill modifies requirements for targeted energy reduction efforts, including those for government entities, non-profits, and low-income households, ensuring proportionate benefits and allowing for alternative compliance mechanisms. It establishes ongoing requirements for these plans, removing previous fixed deadlines, and outlines cost recovery mechanisms for approved measures.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates energy efficiency/conservation programs for utilities, requires updated plans for consumer resilience, aligns with promoting clean energy infrastructure and reducing energy use.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy efficiency/conservation programs for utilities, directly advancing environmental protection through reduced energy waste and resilience planning.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation Conservation

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Apr 28, 2025

HB 543: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for energy efficiency and conservation program.

HB 543 modifies Pennsylvania's electric utility regulations to strengthen energy efficiency program oversight. It requires the Public Utility Commission to review utility efficiency plans within 120 days, provide detailed reasons for disapproval, and allow utilities 60 days to revise plans addressing commission concerns. The bill specifically protects cost-effective mechanical insulation (used in heating/cooling systems) from disapproval solely based on its inclusion, requiring the commission to use a total resource cost test. This directly affects electric distribution companies and the commission, with the changes taking effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyStrengthens energy efficiency oversight, requires timely reviews, protects cost-effective insulation, advancing efficiency goals per bill's focus on utility efficiency programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStrengthens energy efficiency oversight and protects conservation measures like mechanical insulation, advancing environmental protection through utility regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation Conservation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 30, 2025

SB 897: 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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAllows utilities to invest in renewables and storage for resource adequacy, promoting clean energy infrastructure options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Storage Utility Regulation

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