Ask PUC to protect ratepayers from higher energy costs driven by data centers

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten December 5, 2025

PA Representative Danielle Otten banner image

Dear Neighbor,

In last week’s newsletter, we talked about rising energy costs for customers in Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania and the other states in the PJM grid region. These price spikes can be attributed to an enormous increase in demand driven by the actual and forecasted needs of data centers.

Just one large-scale data center can consume as much power as tens of thousands of homes. As their demand on our electric grid grows, it is critical that residential ratepayers and the stability and reliability of our energy grid are protected. Pennsylvania families and taxpayers should not be left footing the bill for the massive power needs of data centers or bearing the environmental or public health impacts of data center development.

Now the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is giving the public a chance to weigh in on how high-demand data centers and other “large load” energy customers should be handled.

Through December 22, the PUC will accept public comments on its tentative order proposing a model tariff for Large Load Customers. (A “tariff” in this case is the official document that spells out how the electric utilities will structure their rates, charges, and terms of service for large, high-energy-use customers.)

I plan to take this opportunity to submit a public comment on behalf of constituents and ratepayers. If you are concerned about the financial, environmental, and public-health impacts of data center development, I encourage you to contact the PUC and make your voice heard, too!

Here are some points that I will ask the PUC to include in its model tariff:

Protect residential and small business ratepayers in Pennsylvania from absorbing any additional costs created by data centers.

Require data centers to bear the full cost of any infrastructure upgrades and system impacts they create. These costs can run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Without regulatory or legislative safeguards in place, they are spread across all utility customers, leaving families, seniors, and small businesses to subsidize costs created by the largest energy users.

Ensure that data centers—not residential ratepayers—are liable for any stranded costs if a facility closes or ends up needing less energy than it asked the utility to supply.

Require or strongly incentivize large-load customers to self-supply or procure clean, renewable energy and/or battery storage to mitigate environmental and grid-impact concerns.

Require consideration of all factors affecting the public interest, including affordability and grid reliability, but also public health and environmental impacts, such as emissions, water use, and land use.

Ensure transparency, public accountability, and stakeholder participation in the final adoption of this model tariff—including feedback from economic justice advocates, consumer advocates, and environmental groups—to ensure fairness beyond just cost allocation.

Submit your own comment to the PUC here:

https://efiling.puc.pa.gov/

Read more about the PUC proposal here:

https://www.puc.pa.gov/press-release/2025/puc-announces-publication-of-tentative-order-on-model-tariff-for-large-load-customers-11242025

PA Power Switch

Last week, we also talked about PA Power Switch, Pennsylvania’s official electricity shopping website managed by the Public Utility Commission. If you’re noticing higher electricity rates this month, you can switch to a competing provider who may offer a lower price or services that better fit your preferences, such as green or renewable energy. (PECO will still be your electric utility, but you can choose the company that supplies your electricity.)

Through PA Power Switch, you can compare rates and plans and even shop for renewable providers if you wish. While suppliers may approach you directly by phone, mail, or door to door, it is important to verify that any offer is legitimate and that you fully understand the terms before agreeing. PA Power Switch is the official site of the PUC. In addition to unbiased comparison shopping, it provides tips to protect yourself from misleading marketing tactics and scams, along with a helpful explainer about understanding your electric utility bill so you can better see which costs are within your control.

Electricity prices fluctuate, so it is good financial practice to check back periodically to make sure you are signed up for the program and rate that best suits your household’s needs and budget. Consider setting a reminder on your calendar or phone to re-evaluate plans in a few months if the initial program you select has an introductory period. Taking a few minutes a few times a year to review your options can save money and ensure your energy plan fits both your values and your budget.

LIHEAP Application Window Now Open

The 2025–26 LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) season officially opened on December 3. LIHEAP is a federally funded DHS program that helps eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to income-qualified households.

Eligible families are encouraged to apply early. Assistance is available while funds last and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. LIHEAP also provides support in crisis situations and weatherization services, ensuring no one has to choose between staying warm and meeting other essential needs.

Holiday Happenings in the 155th

The holiday season is in full swing, and there are plenty of festive events happening across the 155th District and Chester County over the next couple of weeks. From tree lightings and parades to concerts, craft fairs, and community celebrations, these gatherings highlight the traditions that make our neighborhoods so special.

This is a wonderful time to come together with family, friends, and neighbors to share in the joy of the season and support the local organizations that bring these events to life. Take a look at the graphic below for details and make plans to join in the fun. There is something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate the holidays close to home.

If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on any legislative or state-related issue, please contact my district office at repotten@pahouse.net.

Upcoming Events

Holiday Toy Drive

Help support Chester County families this holiday season by donating NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS to our Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting Marine Toys for Tots - Chester and Montgomery Counties, PA.

Donations can be dropped off to our District Office Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM until Wednesday, December 10.

Please call 484-200-8259 with any questions.

2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Nearing

The deadline to file Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2024, is December 31, 2025. The state began issuing rebate checks on July 1, so the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your rebate if eligible!

Thanks to changes passed in 2023, more people are eligible, with income limits adjusted to keep pace with Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has made it easier for seniors in Chester County to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.

Please call or stop by my office to find out if you’re eligible and get assistance applying for your rebate. We’d be glad to answer any questions and set up an appointment to help you complete your application online!

For those who prefer to file by mail, paper applications will be available in my office soon, and we will update here when they come in.

SEPTA Senior Key Cards and Card Renewals

If you have a SEPTA Senior Key Card that has expired or will expire within the next month, we can renew it in our district office. To renew your card before it expires, please stop by my district office, or call us to make an appointment.

My office can also process applications and take photos for new SEPTA Senior Key ID Cards, which allow seniors 65 and older to travel for free on all SEPTA Regional Rail and transit routes within Pennsylvania. Just stop by my district office and bring a form of ID with your date of birth on it, such as a PA driver’s license or non-driver ID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. We’ll enter your information into SEPTA’s online system, take a quick photo, and then SEPTA will mail your new card to you directly.

2-1-1 Southeastern Pennsylvania: Health and Human Services

211 SEPA is part of the national 211 Call Centers initiative that seeks to provide health and human services for everyday needs and those in crisis situations.

2-1-1 works with county governments and provider agencies to ensure important local program information is easily accessible.

Visit 211sepa.org for more information.

Mental Health Resources: Call 9-8-8

Chester County residents experiencing mental-health-related crisis or distress can dial 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.?This system is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people in crisis to a trained mental health professional.

Chester County offers additional resources for those in crisis, including Chester County’s warm line, 1-866-846-2722, operated by Certified Peer Specialists, who are individuals in recovery with a lived experience of mental health challenges.

Chester County’s Teen Talk Line ensures seamless referral to Mobile Crisis for youth in need of immediate or higher-level support. The call line is 855-852-TEEN (8336), and the text line is 484-362-9515.

Visit the?Department of Human Services website for more information about the 988 system and other state and local mental health resources.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, please don’t give up hope, and please know that you do not need to walk this path alone. We are here and we will do whatever we can to help.

My staff and I are here to help make state government work better for you! For assistance with the above programs or any other state-related services, please email?repotten@pahouse.net, call 484-200-8259, contact us through my website, or visit my district office in Exton and let us know how we can help!

Sincerely,