I intend to introduce legislation requiring public utilities to clearly display any rate reductions or bill credits provided to customers as a result of hosting data center infrastructure within their region.
 
As has become evident through conversations with residents in my district, utility bills do not clearly explain when or how large scale infrastructure investments such as data centers impact local energy costs. In many cases, any cost offsets, negotiated benefits, or infrastructure driven efficiencies are not visible to the ratepayer in a way that is easily understood.
 
These bills are often written in technical or regulatory language rather than in terms the average Pennsylvanian can readily interpret. Therefore, my legislation will require that any reduction in a customer’s bill attributable to data center presence, infrastructure investment, or associated economic agreements be stated in clear, conversational language and displayed conspicuously on the utility bill.
 
Specifically, the notice would read:
 
Your enclosed utility bill includes a cost reduction of ($ amount) for this billing period. This reduction is made possible by data center operations in your region and related energy usage agreements. This reduction is required or enabled under Pennsylvania law and is separate from standard rate adjustments approved by regulators.
 
While the broader discussion around energy demand, infrastructure expansion, and data center development will continue, we can agree that our constituents deserve to understand when and how these developments affect their monthly costs.
 
This legislation is about transparency and accountability, ensuring that when large scale energy users enter a region and impact the grid, the public can clearly see whether and how they benefit.
 
I hope you will join me in advancing a policy that brings greater clarity to utility billing and ensures Pennsylvanians are fully informed about the real impacts of energy and infrastructure decisions in their communities.