DEP Seeks Proposals for New Energy Generation and Storage Projects to Quickly Boost Grid Reliability

The state aims to sponsor eligible projects in Pennsylvania to add power and prevent higher energy costs for consumers

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:55am

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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has announced a Request for Information seeking new energy generation and storage projects that can quickly enter service and add more power to the electric grid, in an effort to address rising energy demands from AI data centers and improve grid reliability while keeping costs down for consumers.

Why it matters

Pennsylvania is a major energy producer and exporter, and the state is taking proactive steps to ensure an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply as new sources of electricity demand, like advanced data centers, are expected to significantly increase in the coming years. This initiative aims to enable faster deployment of new generation and storage projects to prevent higher energy costs for residents.

The details

The DEP is seeking proposals for a wide range of new energy projects, including solar, wind, thermal generation, hybrid facilities, and battery storage, that could qualify for PJM's new Expedited Interconnection Track process. This fast-track process would allow eligible large-scale projects sponsored by the state to secure grid interconnection agreements within 10 months, much faster than the typical PJM timeline. The DEP is also interested in understanding challenges faced by projects that may not meet PJM's requirements, and is exploring potential financing support through federal energy programs.

  • The DEP published the Request for Information on March 28, 2026.
  • Developers have until June 5, 2026 to submit written responses to the DEP.
  • PJM aims to open the new Expedited Interconnection Track process by August 2026.

The players

Jessica Shirley

Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Josh Shapiro

Governor of Pennsylvania, who has led efforts to stop rising electricity costs and get more power onto the grid faster.

PJM Interconnection

The organization that operates the electric grid for Pennsylvania and 12 neighboring states.

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What they’re saying

“Today, our region faces significant energy challenges. Our goal is to ensure an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all Commonwealth residents.”

— Jessica Shirley, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

“As a national and regional leader in the energy sector, Pennsylvania is the first state to undertake this proactive information gathering that will inform our work to lower energy costs for consumers and reduce reliability risks to our power grid.”

— Jessica Shirley, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights Pennsylvania's efforts to proactively address rising energy demands, particularly from the growing AI data center industry, and ensure the state's electric grid remains affordable and reliable for all residents. By enabling faster deployment of new generation and storage projects, the state aims to prevent higher energy costs and improve overall grid resilience.