
ALLENTOWN, PA − January 23, 2025 −Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Nick Miller held a hearing to explore Pennsylvania’s outlook for future electricity generation and reliability needs as grid demands grow. The hearing highlighted several key areas, including long-term investments in immaculate energy, while strengthening consumer protections and ensuring affordability for ratepayers.
“Today’s hearing was an important look at Pennsylvania’s energy economy, and I am grateful for the testimony of all of our panelists.” said Senator Miller. “The insights shared today will be critical as we develop forward-looking energy policies that support families, workers and businesses across Pennsylvania. With this detailed expert testimony, I look forward to advancing policies and legislation that will best prepare our commonwealth to create and deliver affordable energy for every Pennsylvanian.
The energy landscape for electricity generation has changed in recent years due to market forces, environmental policies and the increasing economic viability of alternative energy sources. Utility industry experts discussed their role in ensuring access to affordable services and balancing the needs for adequate power generation and technology investments with reliable service delivery in the face of record-breaking customer and commercial demands.
Testimony also focused on the importance of maintaining state programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and laws that protect vulnerable populations, such as restoring the state’s Public Utilities Customer Protection Act, known as Chapter 14, which expires at the end of 2024.
Today’s hearing panelists and a brief summary of their testimony were as follows:
- Christine Martin, president of PPL Electric Utilities, emphasized the company’s role in modernizing the network in the face of growing requirements;
- Amy Brinton, director of government affairs for the PA Chamber, emphasized the need for a comprehensive energy policy that balances environmental and economic goals;
- Donna Clark, vice president and general counsel of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, discussed the regulatory framework that impacts energy prices;
- Rob Altenburg, senior director of energy and climate at PennFuture, spoke about the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources;
- Paul Anthony, Business Manager/Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 375, presented on workforce needs and opportunities for immaculate energy projects;
- and Elizabeth Marx, executive director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, discussed the importance of consumer protection programs and fair energy policy.
“While our trade association supports restoring Chapter 14 as it stood at the end of the last legislative session, it recognizes that modest changes can be made to the former Chapter 14 to improve the safety of utility workers, respond to technological changes, and improve operational efficiency,” said Donna Clark, Vice President and CC of the Energy Association of PA (EAP). “We look forward to working with both parties and both chambers to reauthorize this necessary legislation. EAP remains committed to working with the General Assembly, the Public Utility Commission and other stakeholders to ensure Pennsylvania’s energy future is reliable, affordable, safe and sustainable. By meeting energy generation needs, modernizing infrastructure, reauthorizing Chapter 14, and balancing the integration of renewables with resource adequacy, we can position Pennsylvania as a leader in energy resiliency and innovation.”
Strengthening renewables in the state’s energy portfolio is a priority for many Pennsylvanians, with 68% supporting accelerated investment in renewables. These commitments promise long-term, sustainable jobs while meeting growing energy demand and preparing the country for future challenges.
“Affordable and reliable energy may be one of the key issues this legislative session. While costs are rising rapidly, there are growing concerns about whether our energy system will be able to reliably meet future demand.” said Robert Altenburg, senior director of energy and climate at PennFuture. “Pennsylvania has long been a national leader in electric energy innovation. The next generation of energy is literally waiting to be unleashed, reducing energy costs, providing jobs and improving our quality of life. Now is the time to make sure we are doing everything we can to fulfill this promise to Pennsylvania.”
“Constructing and maintaining the electric grid, including transmitting and generating power to provide Americans with safe and reliable electricity, is one of the most important responsibilities of IBEW members.” he said Paul Anthony, business manager at IBEW Local 375. “A just transition for the energy workforce is critical to maintaining well-paying jobs, stabilizing the local economy and leveraging the skills of experienced energy workers in emerging renewable energy sectors. IBEW is calling for consideration of significant legislation to ensure that fossil fuel workers are not left to fend for themselves in the face of energy’s future. I look forward to working with legislators to improve our communities as we work to build a cleaner future.”
Senator Nick Miller was elected political chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his first hearing in the 2025-2026 legislative session as chair.
Footage of the hearing and written testimony from the panel are available at: PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Downloadable photos and videos are available upon request.
Learn more about PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to ensuring affordable energy for every Pennsylvanian here.
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Panel 1: Municipal economy and industry
Panel II: Consumers and environmental considerations
Panel III: Infrastructure and workforce
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