Harrisburg, PA – October 15, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and State Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) today announced plans to introduce a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to study Pennsylvania’s participation in the PJM Interconnection LLC, the regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid across much of the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Midwest.
As energy demand continues to rise, Pennsylvania consumers are seeing their utility bills increase despite the Commonwealth being the second-largest energy producer in the nation. The resolution being introduced by Senators Pisciottano and Miller seeks to ensure that Pennsylvania’s ratepayers, producers, and consumers are being adequately represented and protected within PJM’s governance structure.
The move by the lawmakers comes as Governor Josh Shapiro intensifies calls for reform at PJM, waring that Pennsylvania may consider its membership if the grid operator fails to make meaningful changes to its governance structure and pricing mechanisms.
“Pennsylvania’s families and businesses are paying the price for an energy system that no longer prioritizes their needs,” said Senator Pisciottano. “We generate more energy than almost any other state, yet our residents are facing higher bills and less control. It’s time to evaluate if our participation in PJM is serving the Commonwealth’s best interests.”
For nearly a century, Pennsylvania has worked in collaboration with neighboring states to leverage the region’s energy potential, creating economic growth and affordable energy for its residents. However, Pisciottano noted that the balance has begun to shift, raising questions about oversight, a lack of accountability to protect consumers, and the long-term sustainability of the energy market.
“On behalf of every customer in Pennsylvania, we must consider all options to rein in unnecessary costs,” said Senator Miller. “Residents should see their state government working to make expenses more affordable. With this study, we’re re-focusing on regulatory, environmental, and energy perspectives to address utility costs.”
The proposed JSGC study will evaluate:
- Whether Pennsylvania’s membership in PJM adequately protects ratepayers and producers;
- How PJM’s governance structure represents the Commonwealth’s interests;
- Whether reforms would strengthen Pennsylvania’s influence, such as state representation on PJM’s board or expanded state filing rights with federal regulators; and
- What alternative models could ensure more reliable, affordable, and consumer-focused energy delivery.
“This study is about accountability,” Senator Pisciottano added. “It’s clear that the status quo isn’t working, and we cannot continue down this path without putting our interests first. We need a thorough review to determine how Pennsylvania can restore its voice in the energy decisions that directly impact our economy and our families.”
Pisciottano and Miller emphasized that this effort is nonpartisan and rooted in a shared goal of ensuring fair treatment for Pennsylvania’s ratepayers. The study is the first step toward restoring trust, improving transparency, and putting consumers back at the center of Pennsylvania’s energy policy.