Bill > SB505

This bill amends Pennsylvania's energy efficiency and conservation program for electric distribution companies, introducing several key changes. The bill expands the program's scope to include "resilience" alongside energy efficiency and conservation, with a focus on helping consumers prepare for and recover from extreme weather events. Electric distribution companies will now be required to develop plans that not only reduce energy consumption and peak demand, but also enhance consumer resilience through technologies and measures that can help prevent or mitigate power outages. The bill allows up to 10% of program funds to be used for preweatherization health and safety upgrades, particularly for low-income households, and permits up to 15% of funds to be allocated for reducing distribution system losses. The legislation maintains existing targets for energy consumption reduction while introducing new provisions for evaluating program effectiveness, including a requirement to assess grid and consumer resilience benefits. The bill also modifies cost recovery mechanisms, introduces potential financial incentives for electric distribution companies that exceed energy reduction targets, and mandates a study on the program's effectiveness in the industrial sector. Notably, the bill sets a trajectory for the program's evolution, with a planned comprehensive review and potential expansion of requirements by May 31, 2031, and includes provisions to ensure that low-income customers continue to benefit from energy efficiency measures.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=505