PENNSYLVANIA — More than 100 Pennsylvania businesses, environmental organizations, and civic leaders are calling on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to take immediate action to modernize the state’s outdated energy interconnection system, warning that current delays are stifling renewable energy growth and driving up costs for consumers.
In a joint letter sent Monday, November 10, the coalition urged the PUC to overhaul how distributed energy resources (DERs) — such as solar, wind, and battery storage — are approved to connect to the grid. The signers argue that inconsistent and opaque interconnection procedures across the state’s utilities have created costly delays, putting viable clean energy projects at risk.
“With federal Investment Tax Credits expiring soon, viable solar projects across Pennsylvania face cancellation,” the letter stated. “Local solar projects face opaque approval processes without clear timelines or consistent standards. These delays result from inadequate utility-managed interconnection procedures that the PUC has the authority to fix.”
Among the signatories are Vote Solar, the PA Solar Center, the Mid-Atlantic Solar and Storage Industries Association, Reclaim Philadelphia, and POWER Interfaith.
“Across Pennsylvania, opaque and confusing utility interconnection procedures are a major reason why we don’t have more local clean energy projects coming online,” said Kartik Amarnath, Mid-Atlantic Regulatory Director of Vote Solar. “Without swift reforms, Pennsylvania risks undermining its clean energy future.”
Sharon Pillar, Founder and Executive Director of the PA Solar Center, added that fixing interconnection barriers would “extend a lifeline” to the state’s 7,000 solar industry workers and help lower electricity bills for consumers.
The letter emphasizes that renewables remain the most affordable and rapidly deployable energy option available. Supporters argue that streamlining grid connections for renewable systems — from rooftop solar to large-scale wind farms — would bolster grid reliability, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and stabilize energy prices statewide.
The coalition’s message to regulators was direct: “The PUC must urgently undertake long overdue interconnection reforms immediately.”
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.