Pennsylvania's Power Dilemma: Who's Paying the Price?

Pennsylvania's electricity grid is a complex web that connects 13 states and the nation's capital. This network, known as the PJM grid, requires each state to contribute to powering the region. Pennsylvania stands out as the top exporter of electricity, thanks to reforms made almost 30 years ago that opened up competitive electricity generation markets.

The Rising Challenge of Power Delivery

Delivering this power is becoming increasingly challenging, especially with the growing demands from manufacturing sectors and homeowners. The cost of electricity is on the rise, but not due to power plants. Instead, the cost of moving electricity through power lines and local grids is the culprit.

The Impact on Landowners and Ratepayers

Pennsylvania's landowners, particularly in Southern York County, are familiar with this issue. Utilities want to run high-voltage transmission lines through their farmland to power neighboring states like Maryland and Washington D.C., which import more energy than they produce.

Pennsylvanians pay for these transmission lines, but the cost is bundled with other fees, making it difficult for people to understand why their bills are increasing.

The Risk of Higher Bills

One major utility is now seeking more ratepayer dollars to re-enter the generation space. This could shift the risks of these investments onto ratepayers, potentially leading to higher bills.

The competitive electricity market has kept prices in check, with generators competing to provide energy at lower costs. The clear winner in this competition is the consumer. Allowing utilities to generate power could lead to higher bills.

Focus on Efficient Power Delivery

It's crucial to focus on delivering existing power efficiently. Ignoring this could lead to higher utility bills for the community. We should reject efforts to allow utilities to move into the generation space to ensure that Pennsylvania's electricity remains affordable and reliable.