Bill > SB616

This bill amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to introduce more stringent regulations on utility company expenses and transparency, focusing on two main areas: advertising and political activities, and regional transmission organization (RTO) membership. For advertising and political expenses, the bill expands restrictions on what utilities can charge to consumers, requiring detailed annual reporting of lobbying, political activities, and related costs, including expenses from parent companies and affiliates. The bill defines new terms like "lobbying or political activity" and "prohibited costs," which include membership dues, certain advertising expenses, travel and entertainment costs for board members, and investor relations expenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that electric distribution companies must be members of a regional transmission organization and submit annual reports detailing their recorded votes at RTO meetings, including an explanation of how each vote serves the public interest. The legislation aims to increase accountability and transparency in utility company spending and decision-making, ensuring that ratepayers are protected from being charged for expenses that do not directly benefit them. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=616