Climate watch: Energy concerns now a focus for state lawmakers
Pennsylvania state lawmakers are increasingly focusing on energy matters due to rising electricity prices and grid capacity concerns. The PA House of Representatives has passed four bills aimed at regulating data centers' energy and water consumption and providing townships with a model zoning ordinance. However, there is some resistance in the Senate regarding data center-specific legislation.
Rising electricity prices and growing concerns over grid capacity are prompting Pennsylvania state lawmakers to prioritize energy matters. On June 1, all 11 PA public utilities increased their "price to compare," with West Penn Power's rate rising by 10.3%.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed four bills targeting data center regulation. One bill directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to establish binding rules for data centers consuming over 25 megawatts, while two others focus on disclosing data centers' water and energy usage. A fourth bill proposes a model regulation ordinance for townships to use when addressing data center developments. Despite these legislative efforts, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman has expressed a preference against considering individual data center bills at this time.
Further legislative action includes a unanimously passed bill (H.B. 2233) requiring state utilities to study advanced transmission technologies for grid upgrades, which the PUC may mandate. Additionally, H.B. 2380, co-sponsored by 33 Democrats, proposes requiring Pennsylvania's largest electric utilities to install 3,000 megawatts of battery storage by 2033 to enhance grid performance and integrate renewable energy sources. These storage systems are deemed more cost-effective than building new transmission lines.
Pennsylvania ranks 47th among states in renewable energy growth over the last decade, with renewables accounting for only 5% of the state's electricity. The state also saw a 21.3% increase in electric service terminations in 2025, though West Penn Power experienced a slight decrease. Richard Jones, a member of the State College chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, authored the commentary.