Oct. 01, 2024

HARRISBURG—Today, the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to discuss significant uncertainty facing Pennsylvania’s electricity grid. The hearing, titled “Fighting to Keep the Lights On in PA,” featured testifier Stephen Bennett, senior manager of regulatory and legislative affairs, PJM.

Supplying electricity to more than 65 million people in 13 states and Washington, D.C., PJM has been outlining reliability concerns if we are unable to supply the growing demand for electricity. PJM’s latest capacity auction revealed a severe spike in capacity prices, which is indicative of an increase in demand and a reduction in supply.

Pennsylvania is a literal energy powerhouse, but Democrats’ proposed energy policies would stop the utilization of the Commonwealth’s abundant resources -- a missed opportunity to meet the increase in electricity demand. They would also lead to missed investment opportunities, job losses, and less sustainability for the environment.

Pennsylvania's natural gas and oil industry supports 497,000 jobs, contributes $78.6 billion to the state economy, and provides the state $335.2 million in wildlife conservation funding, according to Energy Citizens. The state is also leading the world in emissions reductions.

“We’ve heard from all corners of the state that consumers cannot afford to pay their utility bills. That they now have to brace to live in the dark is absolutely ludicrous,” said Kail. “Pennsylvania is a net-energy generator, and the best way forward for Pennsylvania is to utilize its resources. The world is a better place with PA energy.”

Watch the hearing:




 

Representative Josh Kail
15th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

 
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