Schweyer bill for shared community energy clears PA House
Rep. Peter G. Schweyer May 7, 2025 | 2:41 PM
HARRISBURG, May 7 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer today announced his community solar bill passed the state House.
“This bill allows shared community energy projects where subscribers can access solar or biofuel energy and receive a credit for that on their electric bills,” said Schweyer. “This lets families, farmers and businesses in our commonwealth who can’t generate such power on their own partner with other subscribers in receiving solar or biofuel energy.”
Community energy project costs are borne by those who opt in. This legislation would protect non-subscribers from having to share these costs.
“Community energy is a concept that most agree would be beneficial for many Pennsylvania families. Clean, renewable energy sources, like solar, geothermal and renewable natural gas help to reduce utility costs and lower the output on the electricity grid,” said Schweyer. “However, many residents cannot enjoy these benefits for a myriad of reasons. So, in comes this legislation, and I was proud that we could get this bill across the finish line in the House and now I call on the state Senate to do the same and vote in favor of this bill.”
House Bill 504 would allow for the creation, financing, accessibility and operation of community renewable energy generating facilities; encourage development of community energy programs which enable robust participation; and encourage participation in programs which would benefit low- to moderate-income customers and their communities.
The legislation, along with S.B. 504 introduced by state Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, are part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s commonsense energy plan – known as the Lightning Plan – that would create jobs, lower costs for consumers, speed up permitting, and protect Pennsylvania from global instability by building more energy generation in Pennsylvania – positioning the commonwealth to continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.