Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB330

Introduced
3/13/23  

Caption

Providing for local solar program, for renewable energy credits and for powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Impact

The implementation of HB 330 aims to diversify energy sources and expand access to renewable energy, which could have significant implications for state laws governing energy distribution and accessibility. It mandates electric distribution companies to recover costs associated with local solar programs from their subscribers and ensures a portion of energy output is available to low-income customers. By granting local solar facilities credits under existing renewable energy statutes, it aligns state regulation with broadened community energy initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 330, known as the Pennsylvania Local Solar Program Act, is designed to establish local solar programs that permit electric customers to use electricity generated from local solar facilities. This bill highlights the benefits of solar energy, including local job creation and environmental improvements, while facilitating low-income customers' access to renewable energy options. The legislation proposes that electric distribution companies create and manage these local solar programs to promote solar energy generation within Pennsylvania's deregulated market.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 330 appears to be largely supportive, especially among proponents of renewable energy and community engagement in energy production. Supporters view the bill as a progressive step towards sustainable energy, facilitating broader public engagement while also addressing the needs of low-income households. However, there may be concerns among utility companies about potential impacts on their business models and the structure of energy pricing, indicating a need for further discussion.

Contention

Discussions around HB 330 could highlight potential contention regarding the allocation of costs for these solar programs and the definition of participation criteria for low-income customers. Utility companies might raise concerns about the financial implications and regulatory burdens posed by the new requirements, specifically regarding how they can sustainably implement these local solar programs without adversely affecting their existing service frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB345

Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act)

PA HB0345

Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act)

PA SB341

Public Utilities – Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act)

PA HB504

Providing for community energy facilities; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, electric distribution companies and subscriber organizations; and providing for prevailing wage and labor requirements.

PA HB1155

Providing for community solar facilities; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, electric distribution companies and subscriber organizations; and providing for prevailing wage and labor requirements and for ratepayer protections.

PA SB504

Providing for community energy facilities; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, electric distribution companies and subscriber organizations; and providing for prevailing wage and labor requirements.

PA LD597

An Act to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Conduct Procurements for Energy or Renewable Energy Credits

PA HB699

In powers and duties, providing for double utility poles.

PA HB1834

Providing for the regulation of commercial data centers; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority; establishing the Data Center Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Account and the Pennsylvania Energy Independence Account; providing for clean firm energy requirements, contract filing, commission review, disclosure requirements, backup generation standards, curtailment standards and certification and expedited interconnection for commercial data centers bringing incremental clean firm energy resources; and imposing penalties.

PA SB336

Providing for solar energy facilities on certain land; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture; and providing for a tax credit.

Similar Bills

VA HB49

Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing, percentage retained for distribution.

VA SB159

Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing, percentage retained for distribution.

VA SB1223

Historical horse racing; pari-mutuel wagering, certain localities.

VA HB2432

Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing, percentage retained for distribution.

VA SB889

Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing; percentage retained for distribution.

VA HB1742

Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing, percentage retained for distribution.

VA SB1315

Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering; percentage retained by racetrack and locality.

VA HB49

A BILL to amend and reenact § 59.1-392 of the Code of Virginia, relating to pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing; percentage retained for distribution.