Bill > HB504

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for community energy facilities in Pennsylvania, allowing electric distribution customers to subscribe to portions of local solar or renewable natural gas energy projects and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. The legislation aims to provide customers with more energy choices, particularly benefiting low-income and moderate-income residents, by enabling third-party-owned community energy facilities that can be located remotely from subscribers' premises. Key provisions include requiring the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to develop regulations for program participation, mandating that subscribers receive bill credits for their energy subscriptions, and ensuring that subscription costs are lower than the bill credit value. The bill also includes important labor protections by requiring prevailing wage rates for workers and establishing strict eligibility requirements for contractors working on these projects. Additionally, the bill seeks to maximize the use of federal funds, promote grid resilience, and create family-sustaining jobs in the energy sector, while protecting ratepayers by minimizing potential costs to non-participating customers. Community energy facilities must meet specific criteria, such as size limitations, subscription diversity, and location requirements, to qualify under this act.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=504