A bill package recently introduced in the state House of Representatives focuses on savings for Pennsylvania’s energy consumers.
Topics addressed by the nine bills include identifying how regulations impact the affordability for communities at risk for energy poverty, extending the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, redeveloping now-shuttered energy production facilities, and creating an independent energy advocate.
The legislation would repurpose money from Act 129 of 2008, which expanded the Public Utility Commission’s oversight responsibilities, for a multitude of uses including returning back to ratepayers as a negative surcharge and for energy efficiency and conservation programs.
State. Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) and seven other Republicans introduced the package.
“Despite having abundant energy resources right here in Pennsylvania, our families and businesses pay too much to heat their homes and turn the lights on,” Kaufer said. “We must do more to lower out-of-pocket costs consumers spend on energy as they work to make ends meet, and that is what my legislation would do.”
Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Whip Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) and Policy Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) support the package.
“It needs to be more affordable to live in Pennsylvania and the package of bills introduced today will have a direct cost-savings to Pennsylvania’s energy consumers, making it more affordable for families and small businesses to find a home in Pennsylvania,” Cutler said. “This package of legislation is the exact kind of conversation we need to be having: About how to leverage our resources and our ingenuity to get government out of the way, find real savings for Pennsylvania’s families, and focus on our energy assets to deliver meaningful improvement in the lives of Pennsylvanians.”
“Unfortunately, Gov. (Josh) Shapiro’s recent energy plan misses the mark by imposing new taxes on utilities for Pennsylvania consumers,” O’Neal said. “House Republicans know that as inflation rages and costs continue to rise, people are desperate for much-needed relief. We are committed to fighting to ensure every Pennsylvanian can afford to keep the lights and air conditioning on this summer and into the future.”
“House Republicans are committed to helping consumers balance their budgets and thermostats,” Kail said. “If we do not pursue commonsense legislation, we are resigned to the governor’s failing energy policy, and then people on fixed incomes, like my grandmother, will be unable to afford to turn the lights on at the end of the day.”