In recent years, Pennsylvania has been fortunate to see significant growth in the development of small-scale energy systems that are providing clean, affordable electricity to homes, schools, and local businesses. However, project developers are often faced with lengthy and unpredictable delays while trying to receive approval from electric utility companies to connect their energy projects to the local grid. One of the most time-consuming parts of this process are the grid safety reviews, which can sometimes take 12 months or longer for the utility to complete. In our neighboring states, this is typically done within 30 to 60 days.

 

These unnecessary delays result in energy developers losing valuable time and months of revenue generated, and in some cases, investors being forced to abandon projects altogether to avoid further losses. This puts Pennsylvania at a competitive disadvantage compared to other states that have predictable, efficient interconnection timelines. As a result, we risk losing clean energy investments that bring economic growth, high-quality jobs, and reliable energy onto the grid when we need it most.

 

For these reasons, we will be introducing legislation that requires interconnection studies to be completed by an electric utility company within a reasonable timeframe that aligns with best practices in other states. With this legislation, we will hold utility companies accountable for unfair delays, get energy projects built faster, and create a more business-friendly environment in Pennsylvania.

 

Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to improve efficiency, support economic development, ensure that Pennsylvania remains competitive in the energy generation sector.