HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is seeking new energy generation and storage projects that can be brought online quickly, aiming to increase electricity supply and prevent higher energy costs for residents.
What This Means for You
- The state is fast-tracking energy projects to stabilize electricity prices
- Developers can submit projects for quicker approval through a new process
- Officials warn demand is rising, which could increase costs without new supply
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a Request for Information, a formal call for project ideas and data from developers, to identify energy projects that could qualify for an expedited connection process to the regional power grid.
How the Fast-Track Process Works
The effort is tied to a planned Expedited Interconnection Track, or EIT, being developed by PJM Interconnection, the regional organization that manages the electric grid across Pennsylvania and 12 other states.
Under the proposal, up to 10 large projects per year could receive state sponsorship and secure agreements to connect to the grid within 10 months — significantly faster than the current process, which can take years.
DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said the goal is to strengthen grid reliability while controlling costs.
“Our goal is to ensure an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all Commonwealth residents,” Shirley said.
Why Officials Say Action Is Needed
State officials said electricity demand is expected to increase significantly over the next decade, driven by data centers, electrification, and advanced manufacturing.
Without additional supply, officials warned, consumers could face higher prices and increased risks of power shortages.
Pennsylvania plans to sponsor qualifying projects to participate in the expedited process, continuing its role as a major energy producer.
Types of Projects Being Considered
DEP said it is seeking a wide range of potential projects, including:
- Solar power facilities
- Wind generation projects
- Advanced thermal power plants
- Hybrid energy systems
- Battery energy storage systems
Officials are also requesting feedback from developers whose projects may not meet the proposed requirements, as well as input on financing tools such as loans or loan guarantees through federal programs.
Policy Background and Legal Action
The initiative follows a broader push by Gov. Josh Shapiro to address rising electricity costs and delays in connecting new power sources to the grid.
State officials said the governor previously challenged PJM over its pricing structure, arguing it would increase costs for consumers. That legal action resulted in a 2025 settlement that reduced price caps in the regional capacity market, which determines payments to power suppliers to ensure grid reliability.
PJM has since extended those price caps through 2030, according to state officials.
How to Submit a Project
Developers can review the full Request for Information in the Pennsylvania Bulletin at https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol56/56-13/450.html.
Written responses must be submitted to ra-epenergy@pa.gov by Friday, June 5, 2026, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Officials said the effort is part of a broader strategy to accelerate permitting and bring new energy projects online faster while maintaining affordability and reliability for consumers.
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