Pennsylvania

Pennsylvanians’ electric bills are going up, and electric utilities will be spending more than ever on energy and infrastructure. In order to alleviate rising cost pressures and meet growing energy demand, United’s Chris D’Agostino examines how, with smart policy, Pennsylvania can make the most out of an untapped resource already found in homes and businesses: virtual power plants.

Inside Climate News reports on a first-of-its-kind PJM Multistate Technical Conference, during which several governors in PJM states called for major reforms to the grid operator, citing high electricity prices and slow interconnection. United’s Jon Gordon spoke as an industry expert and defended competitive markets, encouraging states to press PJM to make improvements that ensure lower costs for consumers.

Electricity bills in Pennsylvania are climbing faster than inflation, with costs increasing at more than twice the pace of other goods and services. On our blog, United’s Chris D’Agostino outlines how the Keystone State can modernize its grid by leveraging proven advanced energy technologies and maximizing existing energy infrastructure.

Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that the Trump administration has ordered the Eddystone Generating Station in Pennslvania to remain operational past the facility’s retirement date. Moreover, FERC approved a plan that allows PJM Interconnection to recover the costs of keeping the plant running. United’s Jon Gordon raised concerns about future energy capacity in the PJM region, warning that the system-wide cost sharing plan would raise electricity costs for consumers.

The Center Square reports on the passage of H.R. 1 and its impacts on the clean energy industry with the phase-out of key tax incentives. While the rollback is expected to reduce job growth and stall some advanced energy projects, United’s Harry Godfrey stated that existing projects beginning construction within a year can still benefit from the credits. United’s Chris D’Agostino also emphasized that renewables are still the fastest and most cost-effective way to meet growing energy demand.

RESET and PRESS: Pennsylvania Introduces Clean Energy Bills to Power Up the Economy

Erie News Now reports on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s “Lightning Plan,” which covers a range of policy suggestions, including energy affordability, tax credits, and advanced energy project development. United’s Morgan Pinnell praised the Governor’s proposal, highlighting the cost-savings clean energy solutions provide for ratepayers.

Governor Josh Shapiro today announced a sweeping clean energy package designed to make Pennsylvania a leader in the energy transition. The plan includes, but is not limited to, the reintroduction of the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) program, alongside new energy efficiency measures, a clean energy siting board initiative, and updates to the EDGE tax credit.  

Inside Climate News reports that PJM Interconnection has reached a settlement with Pennsylvania to cap capacity auction prices, aiming to mitigate soaring electricity costs. United’s Jon Gordon emphasized the importance of PJM completing the auction quickly and efficiently to reduce market uncertainty.

In 2023, advanced energy employment nationwide increased by 4%, more than double the growth rate of the overall U.S. labor market. Advanced energy jobs surged from 2022 to 2023, with 4.1 million U.S. workers now working in the sector. Some of these gains were driven by the early impact of tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Joint statement from Pennsylvania Electric School Bus Coalition and Representative Brandon Markosek on school bus ride-alongs for HB1542

Erie News Now covers Pennsylvania’s push for clean energy with the PRESS policy aiming for 35% renewable energy by 2035. The article quotes United’s Nick Bibby who states Pennsylvania is sending a clear signal to the clean energy industry that they want their services and the generation they’re providing.