PA Environment Digest Blog: PUC Commissioners Agree On Need To ‘Get It Right’ On Reforming Grid Connection Process For Solar, Renewable, All Energy Sources To Protect Consumers, Grid Reliability

Monday, November 24, 2025

PUC Commissioners Agree On Need To ‘Get It Right’ On Reforming Grid Connection Process For Solar, Renewable, All Energy Sources To Protect Consumers, Grid Reliability

In response to a November 10 letter to the Public Utility Commission from more than 100 business, environmental and citizen groups on reforms need to speed local connection of energy sources to the electric grid, all five PUC Commissioners said they share their concerns about grid interconnection process and “getting it right” to protect consumers and grid reliability.

“The Commission recognizes that interest in DERs [distributed energy resources] – including solar generation, storage technologies, and other forms of distributed energy – is growing rapidly across the Commonwealth.

“These developments reflect broader shifts in the energy landscape as both new generation and new forms of electric demand emerge simultaneously.

“We understand that these issues are important to many Pennsylvanians, and we value the insights provided as part of this ongoing conversation.”

“The Commission is actively reviewing distribution- and transmission-level interconnection practices, considering the implications of increasing load growth, and examining cost-allocation concerns to ensure that the costs associated with new development are assigned appropriately.

“We are also evaluating how to improve clarity, transparency, and consistency across utilities while recognizing the significant differences in system conditions across the state.

“Because the electric grid is transitioning from a traditional one-way system to a more dynamic, multi-directional environment, adjustments to policy require a careful, comprehensive approach.

“This work is intentional, broad in scope, and reflects the reality that Pennsylvania’s energy system is changing rapidly in complex ways.

“In line with our commitment to increasing efficiencies that facilitate economic development, the Commission is also focused on ensuring that Pennsylvania can build needed infrastructure quickly, predictably, and responsibly.

“We recognize that businesses and communities are seeking timely interconnection decisions and modernized processes.

“Strengthening clarity, reducing avoidable delays, and improving transparency are all essential to keeping the commonwealth competitive, attracting investment, and enabling energy projects – large and small – to advance in a manner that supports both economic growth and grid reliability.

“Collaboration is essential to navigating these challenges successfully. The Commission’s work draws not only on formal proceedings and comment processes, but also on ongoing engagement with regional and national partners.

Pennsylvania continues to participate actively in discussions within PJM, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and multi-state forums where many of these issues – including transmission planning, queue management reforms, reliability standards, and electrification-driven load growth – are being addressed.

“Because grid challenges do not stop at state borders, many of the solutions must be coordinated regionally and nationally.

“At the same time, we recognize that meaningful policy development requires broad input from stakeholders across Pennsylvania.

“We encourage your organizations – and all signatories to your November 10 letter – to continue participating in the Commission’s formal processes.

“Public comments, technical feedback, and diverse perspectives all contribute to a more complete understanding of the impacts, opportunities, and challenges associated with interconnection and DER development.

“These contributions are essential to ensuring that outcomes reflect the varied interests of households, small businesses, large commercial users, utilities, developers, and communities across the Commonwealth.

“As we move forward, our focus remains on “getting it right.” This means advancing interconnection-related work through the structured, evidence-based processes that promote transparency, fairness, and long-term success.

“It means weighing reliability, consumer protection, affordability, grid integrity, and innovation together – not separately.

“And it means ensuring that any changes to existing procedures or regulations align with Pennsylvania’s broader energy needs and the regional conditions that shape them.”

The letter was signed by Stephen M. DeFrank, Chairman; Kimberly M. Barrow, Vice Chair; Kathryn L. Zerfuss, Commissioner; John F. Coleman, Jr., Commissioner and Ralph V. Yanora, Commissioner.

Click Here for a copy of the PUC response.

(Photo: D&H Distributing solar energy facility, Dauphin County.)

Resource Links:

-- More Than 100 PA Businesses, Environmental Groups, Civic Leaders Write PUC Urging Action On Reforms To Speed Local Connections To Grid To Increase Energy Supplies, Resiliency, Affordability [PaEN]

-- Data Center Stampede Trampling PA Ratepayers Part I: PA Utility Law Project - Utility Terminations Up 30% Already; Prioritize Existing Loads; Centers Need To Help Pay For Utility Assistance [PaEN]

-- Data Center Stampede Trampling PA Ratepayers Part II: PA Consumer Advocate - PUC Should Set Conditions For Centers To Be Served By The Grid; Set Power Curtailment Priorities [PaEN]

-- Data Center Stampede Trampling PA Ratepayers Part III: PJM Market Monitor - Data Centers Have Cost Existing Ratepayers $16.6 Billion Already; Centers Should Bring Their Own Power Generation To Prevent More Large Price Spikes [PaEN]