New Report Finds Grid Bottlenecks are Costing Pennsylvania Utility Customers
Reforming advanced energy siting could unlock 8-12GW of new clean energy saving Pennsylvania households $225 per year.
HARRISBURG, PA – A new report finds that Pennsylvania can lower electricity costs by making it easier and faster to build advanced energy and battery storage projects. Reforming the state’s energy siting process would help bring more low-cost resources onto the grid, reducing pressure on consumers’ utility bills as Pennsylvania families are struggling with high energy costs, with about one in four households reporting difficulty paying their utility bills.
Key takeaways from the report, prepared for Advanced Energy United by Synapse Energy Economics:
- Annual Savings for Pennsylvania Households: Adding new clean energy resources, alongside additional battery storage enabled by proposed legislation, could deliver significant savings to consumers. 8–12 GW of new clean energy would save Pennsylvania households $225 per year by 2029.
- Up to 12 new gigawatts from just 1% of 10 counties: Statewide siting reform can unlock up to 12 GW of clean energy capacity on just 1% of land from 10 counties.
“We need to make it easier to build the energy that Pennsylvania needs. Outdated and restrictive siting rules are holding back new energy investment, which is expensive for Pennsylvanians. This report clearly lays that out. By making it easier to build the energy resources Pennsylvania needs, we can strengthen our grid and lower costs for families. In the coming months, we will have a clear opportunity to remove those barriers and deliver real savings for Pennsylvania ratepayers and I will be leading the charge on that legislation,” said Pennsylvania Rep. Mandy Steele.
“Pennsylvania’s energy costs are high because supply isn’t keeping pace with demand. Our outdated siting laws are making that problem worse by creating uncertainty for businesses looking to invest and develop here. Bringing those laws into the 21st century can give developers predictability to unlock new supply and put downward pressure on costs,” said Chris D’Agostino, Pennsylvania Policy Principal at Advanced Energy United.
“With electric bills rising and power demand surging across Pennsylvania, ratepayers need common-sense solutions that keep energy affordable and reliable. Overly restrictive local ordinances create unnecessary gridlock, stalling new energy projects and driving up consumer costs. Reforming local siting processes is a free-market solution that respects private property rights, cuts administrative red tape, and unlocks domestic energy capacity— potentially putting over $200 a year back into the pockets of Pennsylvania families. CEN is proud to support pragmatic policy reforms that put ratepayers, landowners, and energy abundance first,” said Mike Geiselhart, Executive Director of Pennsylvania, Conservative Energy Network.