Shapiro asks to intervene in PUC proceeding; consumer advocate office seeking to ensure data centers pay for some electric system costs
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is seeking to intervene in a Public Utility Commission case involving PPL Electric Utilities’ rates and rules. His administration supports requiring large data centers to pay more directly for electricity-system costs, transmission upgrades and reliability measures tied to their demand.
Gov. Josh Shapiro filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission seeking party status in a proceeding challenging PPL Electric Utilities’ current rate structure. The petition backs a complaint from the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, which argues that existing customers could otherwise bear costs associated with large data centers and the potential for supply shortfalls.
Shapiro’s administration is advocating for a separate customer class for large data centers and for those customers to absorb costs related to their electricity demand, transmission upgrades and regional reliability programs. If granted party status, the administration would be able to present evidence and legal arguments in the PUC case.