West Central PA News

State Representative Jim Struzzi of Indiana has introduced new legislation aimed at addressing energy affordability in Pennsylvania. The announcement follows the recent annual power market auction conducted by PJM Interconnection, where electricity prices surged significantly.

PJM Interconnection, the largest electrical grid operator in the United States, reported that prices for electricity from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, increased by 800%, rising from $28.92 to $269.92 per megawatt per day. PJM attributed this increase to several factors: the retirement of generating stations like Homer City Power Plant reducing power supply; an anticipated rise in peak load; and market reforms approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Struzzi expressed concerns about government policies affecting energy costs: “Once again we see how both the state and federal governments, and unelected bureaucracy, are costing the people by creating policy and regulations that do not take the entire picture into account,” he stated. He emphasized that his colleagues in the House are developing a legislative package intended to make electricity more affordable for consumers while supporting Pennsylvania's economy and its status as an energy leader.

The proposed legislation includes two bills as part of the Energy Affordability Legislative Package. House Bill 2573 aims to establish an independent agency responsible for studying power needs and ensuring that Pennsylvania continues to promote affordable and reliable energy development. This agency would also oversee any regulation or action by a state agency impacting energy within Pennsylvania.

House Bill 2526 seeks to amend the Regulatory Review Act by requiring all regulations to include information on how they might affect electricity prices negatively. According to Struzzi: “House Bill 2526 would require the government to show how regulations impact the affordability of energy.”

For further inquiries regarding House Bills 2526 and 2573, interested parties can contact Struzzi’s Indiana office at 724-465-0220.