House Energy Committee advances legislation to optimize electric grid, accelerate interconnection to meet rising energy demand
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus June 17, 2026 | 3:56 PM
HARRISBURG, June 17 – Continuing its efforts to address the root causes of rising energy prices in Pennsylvania, the House Energy Committee voted favorably to advance key bills that leverage the state’s existing grid infrastructure and next-generation technologies to meet rising demand and improve grid reliability.
The bills are:
- H.B. 2380: Deploying Battery Storage to Meet Peak Demand.
- H.B. 2595: Reducing Interconnection Delays by Slashing Red Tape.
House Bill 2380, sponsored by Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, was approved by the committee by a 14-12 vote. The bill would establish targets for battery energy storage programs. By 2033 these programs would bring 3,000 megawatts of energy storage online by 2033, which is enough to power roughly 2.5 million homes.
Battery storage addresses one of Pennsylvania's most pressing energy challenges by storing high volumes of electricity when it’s plentiful and cheaper, and discharging it back to the grid when it’s needed most. At a recent public hearing on the bill, testifiers emphasized battery storage as a far more efficient method of stabilizing the grid during demand spikes than traditional “peaker plants.”
“Increasing demand for energy for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and more are making electricity unaffordable for Pennsylvanians,” Rivera said. “My legislation would help ensure electricity’s reliability and affordability by requiring electric utilities to set targets and procure grid-stabilizing battery storage.”
Thirteen states have already established targeted programs similar to those included in H.B. 2380, the most aggressive of which were set by California, New York and Texas.
The bill has earned the support of environmental organizations and industry stakeholders such as, Clean Air Council, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, Solar Energy Industries Association and Advanced Energy United.
The committee unanimously approved H.B. 2595 sponsored by Rep. John Inglis, D-Allegheny. This bill would streamline the interconnection process by imposing strict deadlines on electric distribution company interconnection studies.
Interconnection delays create unpredictable project timelines for developers, ultimately increasing project costs and putting Pennsylvania at a competitive disadvantage. In neighboring states this process can be completed in as little as 60 days, but in Pennsylvania, interconnection processes often delay projects by 12 or more months.
“House Bill 2595’s bipartisan support shows the importance of adding more electricity to the grid as soon as possible. We cannot afford to have expanded energy generation and new opportunities delayed or abandoned. I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support and I look forward to seeing this move to a chamber vote soon,” said Inglis.
The bill is supported by key renewable energy associations such as PA Solar Center, Solar United Neighbors, Vote Solar and Solar Energy Industries Association. UGI Energy Services also expressed support for the bill.
“With costs rising, we know we need to meet energy demand, but we also know we have creative solutions, ways to get more out of our grid without expensive new infrastructure projects," said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the House Energy Committee. “By making it easier to get projects online and making smart use of the energy we produce during peak demand, Rep. Inglis and Rep. Rivera’s bills will strengthen our grid and better prepare our energy sector for a changing world.”
The committee also voted favorably on Rep. Joe Ciresi’s H.B. 2359, which would adjust the Computer Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption Program, adding community protection eligibility requirements.
All three bills now move to the full House chamber for further consideration.