Press Release

ICYMI: A Busy Week for the PUC – Data Center Grid Impacts, Utility Scam Warnings, and UGI Rate Hearings

Published on 3/28/2025

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas

From Grid Reliability to Consumer Protection and Public Input — the PUC Tackles Key Energy and Utility Issues Across Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – Over the past week the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) addressed a series of important actions and announcements impacting consumers, utilities, and communities across the Commonwealth.

In case you missed it, here’s a quick recap of major developments from the past few days:

Upcoming Hearing on Grid Impacts of Energy-Intensive Operations

The Commission has scheduled a public hearing for April 24, 2025, to examine how large-scale electric users — such as data centers and other high-demand customers — are impacting Pennsylvania’s electric grid. The hearing, initiated by PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank, will bring together utilities, energy users, and consumer advocates to discuss how to ensure a balanced, forward-looking approach to grid access and infrastructure investment. Stakeholders are invited to share insights that will help shape a potential model tariff for large load customers.

Consumer Alert: Scam Calls Spoofing PUC Phone Number

Also this week, the PUC issued a warning to consumers about scam callers who are spoofing the Commission’s phone number and falsely claiming to be PUC representatives. More than 70 reports came in on a single day from Pennsylvanians who received fraudulent calls threatening utility service termination unless immediate payment was made. The PUC reminded consumers that it does not make direct calls to demand payment and emphasized steps residents can take to protect themselves from these types of utility scams.

UGI Rate Proposal Under Review – Public Input Hearings Set

Looking ahead to early April, the PUC is inviting public comment on a proposed $110 million natural gas rate increase by UGI Utilities. Five public input hearings — three in-person and two by phone — are scheduled across the state from April 7 to April 10 to hear directly from customers about the potential impact. In-person hearing locations include Williamsport, Lancaster and Wilkes-Barre. The proposed rate increases were suspended by the Commission to allow for a full investigation.

About the PUC

The PUC encourages Pennsylvania residents to stay informed and involved in utility issues that affect their daily lives. For more news and updates, visit the PUC website.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov