Press Release

PUC Invites Public Comments Following Hearing on Grid Impacts of High-Demand Energy Growth

Published on 4/25/2025

Filed under: Electric

Testimony, Video Recordings, and Instructions for Public Comments Now Available on PUC Website

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced the opening of a formal public comment period following the Commission’s April 24 en banc hearing examining the impact of hyperscale data centers and other large-load energy users on Pennsylvania’s electric grid.

“This issue represents both a challenge and an opportunity for our state,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “We are entering a time of extraordinary electricity demand growth, driven by AI, cloud computing, and other evolving technologies. As we move forward, the Commission is committed to thoughtful, transparent policymaking — and we look forward to reviewing the post-hearing comments and input from the public as we continue this important process.”

The hearing featured three expert panels representing electric distribution companies, major energy users, and public and consumer advocates, focusing on the need for clear and fair rules to ensure grid reliability, manage infrastructure needs, and safeguard ratepayers.

Hearing Materials Available Online

Members of the public and interested stakeholders are encouraged to visit the PUC’s hearing webpage to access the following resources:

• Written testimony submitted by panelists;
• Video recordings of all three panel discussions, including Commissioner questions;
• And instructions for submitting public comments and reply comments.

All the materials are posted on the data center and large load hearing page of the PUC website.

Public Comment Period and Instructions

The PUC is now accepting public comments on the issues raised during the hearing through Tuesday, May 27, 2025. A 15-day reply comment period will follow, with reply comments due by Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Interested parties may file comments and reply comments with the Secretary of the Commission at Docket Number M-2025-3054271. (Note: All comments must include the docket number on the first page of the filing)

Comments may be submitted:

• Electronically by opening and using a free eFiling account through the Commission’s website at puc.pa.gov/efiling.
  
  
• By overnight mail to:

                 Secretary
                 Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
                 Commonwealth Keystone Building
                 400 North Street, 2nd Floor
                 Harrisburg, PA 17120

Comments submitted during this process will help inform the development of a model tariff and related policy recommendations to guide how large energy users connect to the electric grid in a way that protects reliability and fairness.

Commission Thanks Participants and Stakeholders

The Commission extends its sincere appreciation to all the panelists and stakeholders who participated in the April 24 hearing and thanks in advance those planning to submit written or electronic comments for consideration by the Commission.

For more information and future updates, visit the data center and large load hearing page of the PUC website.

About the PUC

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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Docket No.: M-2025-3054271

Contact:

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