Pennsylvania Passes Budget, But Leaves Key Energy Affordability and Data Center Reforms on the Table

Contact: Miles Cunning

Sunday, alongside the FY 2027 budget, Pennsylvania state legislators passed several measures aimed at addressing energy affordability. Lawmakers took action to strengthen data center reporting oversight, fund and expand access to the Solar for Schools grants, extend load forecasting requirements, and require utilities to evaluate the potential for use of advanced transmission technologies in new proposed transmission projects. Transmission costs are among one of the fastest-growing drivers of electricity bills in the Commonwealth right now.

In response, Evergreen Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Eric Miller released the following statement:

“While we are pleased to see progress on the challenges posed by data centers, it’s disappointing that solving the affordability crisis doesn’t seem to be high on the list of priorities for Senate Republicans.

“We appreciate the hard work of House members for advancing over a dozen significant affordability measures, including Rep. Fiedler’s landmark legislation to right-size utility profits (HB2224), and Rep. Matzie’s bill to strengthen data center standards to protect ratepayers (HB1834). We look forward to continuing the fight for policies that address both the climate and affordability crises in Pennsylvania.”

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