"We need energy to live, to keep our homes running, to stay cool in the summer – and when families can't afford their energy bills, it means we need to restore balance to a broken system," Fiedler said. "This is a commonsense solution that will lighten the load on regular ratepayers who are already shouldering costs that are far too high." Read more
PHILADELPHIA, April 16 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following response to PECO’s rate case withdrawal Thursday: “People in my district are already struggling. They’re working multiple jobs, canceling doctors’ appointments, and putting groceries back on the shelf instead of in their cart. It’s painful to think about the choices that Pennsylvanians would face if their bills shot up by another $30 a month, but that was almost their reality. “I am relieved to hear the news that PECO customers will avoid another unnecessary rate hike. The withdrawal of the proposed rate increase will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased some household bills by up to $34 a month. “This reversal makes evident that a rate hike was never necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. It shows us that utility companies are making extraordinary profits already, at a cost to working people and families. “PECO’s CEO made more than $15 million last year. Meanwhile, utility bills are up 10 to 20 percent. The war in Iran, reckless tariffs, and big tech have worsened the affordability crisis. Pennsylvanians are making impossibly painful choices just to pay their bills and stay afloat. They deserve to thrive – not just survive. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 15 – On Wednesday, PA House Democrats launched a bold new bill package to tackle the energy affordability crisis by reining in corporate greed, implementing electric grid efficiency measures, and regulating data centers’ impacts on Pennsylvania communities. This package offers a multifaceted response by:•guaranteeing that costs related to data center development are not shouldered by ratepayers,•reforming Pennsylvania’s broken ratemaking system to ensure customers pay a fair price for the energy they use, and •modernizing the state’s electric grid so growing energy demand can be met at a reasonable cost.Across the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are facing skyrocketing energy costs. Utility shutoffs were up 38% in 2025 as 1-in-5 Pennsylvania households report having trouble paying their utility bills each month. House Energy Committee chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said it’s clear that this crisis is reaching a breaking point. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 13 – Today, members of the House Energy Committee voted favorably to report three bills out of committee that would expand energy generation in Pennsylvania and improve grid efficiency.The bills are:•Geothermal Energy Development, H.B. 2076.•Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs), H.B. 2223.•PEDA Modernization, H.B. 2347. Following a series of public hearings and informational meetings on the Commonwealth’s surging energy needs, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, convened a voting meeting on these key bills. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 13 – On Monday, members of the House Blue-Green Caucus stood with leading labor and environmental advocates to unveil a new package of bills designed to accelerate Pennsylvania’s clean energy production and create union jobs in growing energy sectors. This package comes at a crucial moment as energy prices rise, renewable energy sector jobs are under threat, and Pennsylvania continues to rank among the lowest in renewable energy production. From Trump’s disastrous war with Iran to the systematic rollback of federal clean energy investments, working Pennsylvanians are currently bearing the brunt of skyrocketing electricity costs and ballooning prices at the gas pumps. With federal decisions driving up prices, the 58-member Blue-Green Caucus chaired by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said that Harrisburg must step up to provide real, state-level solutions. “Pennsylvania is an energy leader, with a highly skilled workforce and the resources and space for energy development: there’s no reason why we should be falling behind states like Texas when it comes to renewable energy production,” Fiedler said. “We have 581 million square feet of warehouse rooftop space to install solar panels, we have hundreds of schools eager to apply for Solar for Schools grant funding, and we have working people who want and deserve good, family-sustaining jobs. This package is a win-win-win for Read more
HARRISBURG, March 27 – The PA House Energy Committee convened a public hearing on a bipartisan clean energy bill (H.B. 2076) sponsored by state Reps. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny; Craig Williams, R-Chester; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the committee. The bill would establish regulations for the generation of energy from geothermal resources within the Commonwealth. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 24 – On Tuesday, the PA House passed H.B. 1834, legislation that would create the first-ever regulatory framework for data centers in Pennsylvania. The bill is a multifaceted response that would protect ratepayers from even higher utility bills, increase the construction of renewable energy, and fund low-income energy assistance programs. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver.Pennsylvania has become a site of interest for widespread data center development, yet the Commonwealth currently has no statewide standards for data centers and lacks oversight of these facilities.As a result, ratepayers are often left footing the bill for upgrades to grid infrastructure required by large-load projects like data centers. The immense amount of energy needed to power data centers is also a major driver of rising energy prices, which have increased faster than inflation over the past six years. Consequently, one in six Pennsylvania families are struggling to keep up with their bills, and utility shutoffs rose 38% in 2025. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 24 – Continuing its efforts to ensure the commonwealth can reliably meet rising energy demand, the House Energy Committee convened an informational meeting on Monday on the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority’s role in building out new energy generation resources. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, said Pennsylvania’s rising energy demand stems from the rapid proliferation of data centers that support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the increasing electrification of vehicles and household appliances, and growth in the advanced manufacturing sector. To keep pace and prevent energy bills from rising further, the state must add new generation projects to the energy mix and adopt efficiency measures. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 17 – On Monday, PA House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., convened a public hearing to discuss ways to modernize and upgrade Pennsylvania’s electric grid using lower-cost, high-efficiency solutions.Members of the committee heard testimony from industry experts on H.B. 2223, which would encourage the adoption of advanced transmission technologies, and H.B. 2264, which would establish a virtual power plant program in Pennsylvania. ATTs and VPPs offer cost-effective opportunities to strengthen grid reliability, expand capacity, and ensure energy costs are kept as low as possible for consumers and small businessesPennsylvania’s energy demand is being driven higher by the rapid expansion of data centers that support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the increasing electrification of vehicles and household appliances, and the power needs of advanced manufacturing. This demand shift has already led to record increases in energy bills for regular households, with shutoffs increasing by 38% in 2025. To keep pace, the Commonwealth’s electric grid requires significant and timely capacity upgrades. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 6 - On Monday, the House Energy Committee, chaired by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., advanced H.B. 2150 and H.B. 2151. If enacted, these bills would strengthen transparency and protections for communities navigating nearby data center proposals.Fiedler said major tech companies have ushered in the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming within the last five years, resulting in a data center development boom. Communities across Pennsylvania are now grappling with proposals from developers to site data centers, which require a tremendous amount of energy and water. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 - This week, the PA House passed two bills aimed at driving innovation and investment in Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing sectors, earning bipartisan support. One, an advanced clean manufacturing bill sponsored by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and the other, a measure to reduce barriers for emerging nuclear technologies sponsored by Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila. are designed to strengthen the state’s clean energy economy.Additionally, legislation requiring new warehouses to be built solar-ready, sponsored by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, also advanced in the House this week.“We face a looming energy crisis that could have life-changing impacts on the people of Pennsylvania,” Fiedler said. “We must act with urgency and rise to the moment, building on Pennsylvania’s historic role as an energy leader and innovator.”Fiedler’s H.B. 1556 would incentivize the development of a clean manufacturing economy in PA by offering a tax credit of 30% of qualified production costs for an advanced clean manufacturing project. By covering operational costs, the tax credit would encourage companies to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.An advanced clean manufacturing facility is defined as a site that produces clean steel, clean aluminum, clean cement, clean glass, electric grid modernization equipment, energy-efficient heat pumps and turbines, or hydrogen electrolyzers. With growing demand for these products, this legislation would position... Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – On Monday, the PA House Energy Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising costs associated with data center projects. Separately, the committee heard testimony on bills that would enhance reporting and transparency from data centers and provide local officials with a model ordinance to guide responsible development.Data center projects are rapidly proliferating nationwide due to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming.As chair of the House Energy Committee, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has made it a priority to shield consumers from bearing additional costs related to these projects.“People’s bills are too high. We need to do everything we can to keep bills down and ensure the heat and lights come on when Pennsylvanians need them,” said Fiedler. “Affordability and reliability are at the heart of the work we are doing on the Energy Committee, and these bills are a key part of that. Without accountability, big for-profit tech companies could try to push more costs onto everyday consumers.”The Data Center Consumer Protection Bill (H.B. 1834), sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, was amended and approved by the committee. A public hearing on the bill was held in October 2025. If enacted, the legislation would protect ratepayers by establishing a regulatory framework for data centers operating in Pennsylvania.“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to... Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – The application period has opened for the second year of the popular Solar for Schools Grant Program, a bipartisan initiative passed into law in 2024. The program received another $25 million in the 2025-26 state budget, following the initial state investment of $25 million. An impressive bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, along with solar organizations and advocates, applauded the renewed funding. The program comes as consumers and schools are struggling with rising costs: energy prices have outpaced inflation over the past six years and are currently the second highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania. “Schools are facing a massive energy affordability crisis, just like people are at home with their utility bills,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila, who sponsored the initial legislation. “Year one of the Solar for Schools Program was a huge success, and applications are now opening at a perfect time for year two of the program. As prices go up and the federal government continues to slash programs and funding to increase renewable energy supply in PA, our state government must step up to help produce more energy right here in PA. Solar for Schools shows that we have the bipartisan support, in both chambers, to achieve this.” School districts, charter schools, career and technical schools, community colleges, and intermediate units are eligible to apply now on the Department Read more
“I hear from constituents constantly about how hard it is right now, especially this winter, to afford the basics. We’re talking monthly bills in the hundreds of dollars just to keep a small apartment warm,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, majority chair of the House Energy Committee. “We need to look at every possible solution, and it’s my job to make sure the Energy Committee is passing workable, well-researched legislation that lowers prices.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – Today, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., announced that $1.025 million in state funding has been awarded to organizations in her district for local projects. The organizations awarded include: Friends of Bok will receive $800,000 to renovate their auditorium. Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Union will receive $225,000 for kitchen renovations at their facility. “These are two outstanding and deserving organizations in my district, and I am so happy to see state dollars go straight to helping our community,” Fiedler said. “My office and our community partners use the Bok auditorium regularly for public meetings and events, and these renovations will be sure to breathe new life into this essential space. Meanwhile, the funds for Local 19 will support union training, generate economic activity, and maintain a community space that serves workers and families across Philadelphia.” The Statewide Local Share Account program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, uses gaming revenue to support projects that advance economic development, workforce training and community improvement across the Commonwealth. Project construction on the Local 19 facility is expected to be completed by summer 2026. Read more
PA state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the House Energy Committee, and her colleagues have secured $25 million in this year's budget for the Solar for Schools program. With the program's success last year, Fiedler hopes even more PA schools will now have the chance to benefit from clean, cost-saving solar energy upgrades. What a great way to invest in our schools and our future! Read more
PA state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler is taking a stand for Pennsylvania ratepayers by demanding that companies doing business in the Keystone State pay their fair share of costs instead of passing them on to consumers. As chair of the House Energy Committee, she is advocating for economic fairness and protecting working families from the growing crisis of energy affordability. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Danilo Burgos, both D-Phila., and Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, held a news conference to highlight the growing crisis of energy affordability and the steps PA House Democrats are taking to protect Pennsylvania ratepayers. As chairs of the House Energy Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee, and the House Majority Caucus, respectively, the representatives shared their commitments to forward-thinking energy policy. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Energy Committee, issued the following statement today on the inclusion of a $25 million appropriation for the Solar for Schools grant program in the 2025–26 state budget: “I am so excited to see a second year of funding in the budget for the Solar for Schools program! After the overwhelming interest in the program during its first year, we now have the opportunity to invest in even more schools across the Commonwealth. “Renewed funding for Solar for Schools is a huge win for education, labor, environmental interests, and savings for taxpayers! Energy costs are the second-highest expense for schools, regardless of region, so when schools save on energy, they can reinvest those savings elsewhere. Another $25 million means more schools benefiting from solar savings, more jobs, more energy on the grid, and a cleaner planet for everyone. “This second year of funding is a testament to the bipartisan coalition we have built over the years to ensure this legislation’s passage and success. I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the value of investing in our schools to generate new energy and prevent cost increases for taxpayers. The first round of school grant recipients -- in rural, suburban, and urban districts -- will soon begin seeing the financial and environmental benefits of Read more
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