Pennsylvania Lawmakers Explore Solutions to Rising Energy Costs

State committees examine factors driving utility price hikes and proposals to provide relief for consumers

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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With Pennsylvania households facing soaring winter utility bills, state lawmakers held a hearing to investigate the reasons behind the price increases and consider potential solutions. The House Energy Committee and Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee discussed issues such as the impact of energy-hungry data centers, delays in new power generation, and calls for greater oversight of utility companies and their profits.

Why it matters

Rising energy costs are straining household budgets across Pennsylvania, leading to a surge in utility shutoffs due to nonpayment. Lawmakers are under pressure to find ways to rein in prices and ensure access to affordable electricity and heating, especially for lower-income residents in areas like South Philadelphia.

The details

The hearing, chaired by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, examined factors driving the price hikes, including the rapid growth of energy-intensive data centers that have placed added strain on the electric grid. Experts also pointed to delays in bringing new power generation online, particularly for clean energy projects facing long approval processes and the rollback of federal incentives. Proposals discussed included expanding energy-efficiency programs, increasing oversight of retail energy suppliers, and limiting excessive utility profits.

  • The hearing was held on January 20, 2026.
  • Energy costs in Pennsylvania rose nearly 10% in the previous year.
  • Utility shutoffs due to nonpayment jumped 38% across the state.

The players

Elizabeth Fiedler

A Democratic state representative whose district includes parts of South Philadelphia and who chaired the House Energy Committee hearing.

Stephen M. DeFrank

The chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, who testified about the agency's efforts to ensure customers do not pay for infrastructure upgrades that do not benefit them.

Josh Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania, who highlighted rising utility costs in his recent budget address and called for greater public accountability and transparency from utility companies.

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What they’re saying

“I hear from neighbors 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.”

— Elizabeth Fiedler, State Representative (southphillyreview.com)

“Customers who do not benefit from these upgrades should not be on the hook for their costs.”

— Stephen M. DeFrank, Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (southphillyreview.com)

“Our utility companies in Pennsylvania make billions of dollars every year — while at the same time they've increased the cost for consumers with too little public accountability or transparency.”

— Josh Shapiro (southphillyreview.com)

What’s next

The governor and state lawmakers will continue negotiations in Harrisburg on proposals to address rising energy costs, including measures to increase oversight of utility companies and their profits.

The takeaway

The hearing highlighted the growing burden of high utility bills on Pennsylvania households, particularly in lower-income communities, and the need for policymakers to find solutions that balance the interests of consumers and energy providers. Proposals to expand energy efficiency, increase transparency, and limit excessive utility profits could provide relief for struggling residents.