Statement: Pennsylvania advances smarter, more cost-effective grid planning

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania has taken an important step to build a stronger, more affordable electric grid by requiring utilities to evaluate advanced transmission technologies as part of the approval process for new transmission projects. The new law gives the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission the authority to require cost-effective technologies that can bring more affordable, reliable energy onto the grid faster. 

"Pennsylvania is showing that smarter transmission planning can lower costs, strengthen grid reliability and help meet growing energy demand by making better use of the grid we already have," said Michael Zimmerman, Director & Senior Attorney, Clean Affordable Power at Environmental Defense Fund, a global environmental nonprofit focused on market-based climate solutions. “Requiring utilities to evaluate advanced transmission technologies before proposing new transmission projects is a practical, forward-looking policy that puts consumers first and helps ensure we build efficient, cost-effective grid infrastructure.” 

Environmental Defense Fund has helped advance these technologies through legislation, regulatory proceedings and utility agreements across the country. In Pennsylvania, EDF worked with lawmakers and a broad coalition of stakeholders to help develop this policy, which requires utilities to evaluate technologies that can increase the capacity of existing power lines, reduce costs for consumers and strengthen grid reliability before building new infrastructure. The provision was included in the state's 2026-27 budget package signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro.