PA aims for brighter future with renewable power surge

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania's electricity might soon receive a renewable makeover. A bill in the House, H.B. 1467, proposes a dramatic leap from the current 8% renewable energy portfolio standard to 30% by 2030. 

This ambition aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro's campaign commitment and has garnered support from environmentalists and renewable energy advocates. Proponents tout cost savings for ratepayers and job creation in the wind and solar sectors. 

However, the path to green pastures isn't entirely clear. Doubts from some Republican lawmakers linger, particularly regarding grid reliability and potential limitations on opportunity. Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean) expressed concerns about burdening the electricity companies with additional mandates. 

The evenly split House, currently awaiting a special election to fill a vacant seat, adds another layer of complexity. While Democrats control the chamber, scheduling for the bill to come to a vote remains pending. 

Meanwhile, grid operator PJM paints a complex picture. Asim Haque acknowledges a potential supply shortage later this decade due to project delays, pointing to issues like financing, supply chain, and local zoning. PJM itself faces criticism for lengthy project approval times, currently averaging 4 years despite recent efforts to streamline the process. 

However, Haque highlights a crucial aspect: short-term reliability concerns. He emphasizes the role of distributed generation, like rooftop solar, in bolstering the grid's resilience against extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. David Althoff, from the Department of Environmental Protection, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the support of distributed generation in the bill. 

Pennsylvania, trailing behind neighbors like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland with their bolder 50%+ renewable energy goals, has an opportunity to catch up. Whether H.B. 1467 paves the path to a greener future will depend on navigating political currents, addressing grid concerns, and embracing solutions like distributed generation. The stakes are high, for both the environment and the state's energy landscape. 

Photo Credit: istock-shansekala