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PA HB1834
Bill
Status
9/4/2025
Primary Sponsor
Robert Matzie
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AI Summary
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Commercial data centers with peak demand of 25 megawatts or greater in Pennsylvania would be regulated by the Public Utility Commission, with required regulations covering financial security deposits, infrastructure construction contributions, minimum contract terms, load ramping schedules, and emergency curtailment provisions
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Public utilities are prohibited from recovering costs attributable to serving commercial data centers from other ratepayers through base rates, riders, surcharges, or any other ratemaking mechanism
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Establishes the Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund requiring annual payments from data centers based on peak demand: $250,000 (25-74 MW), $400,000 (75-99 MW), or $500,000 (100+ MW), with funds used to supplement low-income energy assistance including a summer cooling component
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New utility contracts with commercial data centers must ensure at least 25% of electricity supplied is generated from renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, or hydroelectric)
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Public utilities must file all data center contracts with the Commission for review of grid impact, reliability effects, ratepayer impact, and compliance with cost recovery and renewable energy requirements
Legislative Description
Providing for regulation of large load users by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, for cost responsibility, for contributions to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, for renewable energy requirements and for contract filing, commission review and enforcement; establishing the Data Center Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Account and the Pennsylvania Energy Independence Account; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority.
Last Action
Removed from table
2/4/2026