To better implement our renewable energy sources, it is vital that we evaluate our capacity to utilize and store such energy. That is why we are introducing legislation to require electric utilities in Pennsylvania to include an assessment of their energy storage resources in their reports submitted to the Public Utilities Commission, similar to a measure recently enacted in Virginia. This will ensure that our state’s electric utilities take into consideration the potential use of energy storage systems in their business practices while better preparing Pennsylvania’s electricity infrastructure to implement further renewable energy in the future.
 
In recent years, our state has fallen behind the rest of the nation in the use of renewable energy, despite the significant economic benefits of renewable energy and the fact that we are one of the biggest energy users in the country. In 2024, Pennsylvania consumed over 142 billion kilowatt hours of electrical energy, the 6th most of any state, yet we currently rank 49th in the nation in electricity generated by renewable sources.
 
Pennsylvania used to be a national leader in the use of alternative forms of energy, and it is time we return to that status. We ask that you help us do so by co-sponsoring this important bill.