Local Lawmakers Say They Oppose Proposed PECO Rate Hikes

A group of Democratic state lawmakers from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, including State Reps. Tim Brennan, Tina Davis, Brian Munroe, Jim Prokopiak, and Perry Warren, have voiced strong opposition to a proposed 2027 rate hike by utility provider PECO. PECO filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to increase electric rates by 12.5 percent and natural gas rates by 11.4 percent, which would result in average monthly increases of $20.08 for electricity and $14.52 for natural gas for households. Lawmakers argue that the timing of the increase, following recent hikes, poses a significant threat to the economic stability of middle- and working-class families already struggling with rising costs. They specifically cited the expansion of AI data centers as a strain on the state's electric grid, noting their recent vote for House Bill 1834, which passed the Democratic-majority House and is headed to the Republican-led Senate, to require data centers to pay for their own electricity. The representatives have launched a petition to mobilize public opposition and are encouraging constituents to file formal complaints with the PUC.