Allow Electric Distribution Companies to Invest in Power Plants Again, Stambaugh Says

March 21, 2025

HARRISBURG – Legislation unveiled today by Rep. Perry Stambaugh (R-Perry/Juniata) would strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy future by allowing electric distribution companies to once again invest in and potentially own baseload generation.

Stambaugh’s soon-to-be-introduced bill would also require electric distribution companies that decide to invest in or construct baseload power plants to pass along to consumers any net revenue that comes from selling electricity on the open market. Pennsylvania is part of a 13-state power grid operated by PJM Interconnection.

“We are facing a serious shortfall in generation resources that the competitive power supply market has not been able to solve,” Stambaugh said. “Within 10 years, PJM Interconnection forecasts the retirement of up to 40,000 megawatts (MW) of dispatchable baseload generation without firm replacement resources to take its place. At the same time, an increase of 62,000 MW of new load is expected to be added, led by operation of energy-intensive data centers and artificial intelligence as well as electrification of the transportation and commercial heating/cooling sectors.

“It’s clear immediate action needs taken to keep a safe, reliable, and affordable supply of power flowing. This looming energy crisis will result not only in record-high electric bills, but it also opens up the very real possibility that light switches may not work,” he added.

Stambaugh believes the moderate, state-focused approach he proposes would provide electric distribution companies with the flexibility to work alongside the existing competitive power supply market to secure the Commonwealth’s energy future.

“Electric distribution companies are on the front lines of making sure consumers have the energy they need to power homes and businesses. Letting them invest in generation once again, if they so choose, is just part of that commitment,” he said.


Representative Perry Stambaugh
86th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepPerryStambaugh.com / facebook.com/RepPerryStambaugh