HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, the PA House of Representatives unanimously passed H.B. 2224, the Return on Equity bill, cosponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the House Energy Committee, and Rep. Danilo Burgos, chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology, & Utilities Committee.A significant driver of unnecessarily high monthly energy bills is authorized return on equity which is the measure of the profit that utility shareholders are permitted to receive. In Pennsylvania, even though utilities are guaranteed a virtual monopoly by service region, rates of return on equity are some of the highest in the nation. House Bill 2224 would reform this broken ratemaking system to establish a default, market-based rate of return on equity, limiting the amount of excessive profit utilities can collect for their shareholders. The bill would ensure that ratepayers pay no more than what is necessary to attract capital investments. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – Continuing its efforts to mitigate the impact of data centers and rising energy costs, the PA House Energy Committee voted this week to advance several bills that would protect Pennsylvania households and small businesses. Read more
Legislation preventing delays for small-scale energy systems advances to Senate Read more
“We need energy to live, to keep our homes running, to stay cool in the summer — and when families can’t afford their energy bills, it means we need to restore balance to a broken system,” Fiedler said. “This is a commonsense solution that will lighten the load on regular ratepayers who are already shouldering costs that are far too high.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – A bill that would create a user-friendly public utility rate case record today was reported out of the House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee with unanimous approval. Currently, information relating to utility rate increases is accessible only on a case-by-case basis on various pages of the Public Utility Commission’s website. As utility bills continue to rise month after month, consumers should be able to easily stay informed when rates increase and by how much. “When someone sees their electric or water bill go up, they deserve to know how that decision was made –without having to spend countless hours researching and tracking down information,” said prime sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. "This is a practical change that gives Pennsylvanians more access to information which they deserve to have.” In June, Fiedler introduced H.B. 2584 as a companion to S.B. 1254, sponsored by state Sen. Michele Brooks, which would direct the PUC to create a centralized, searchable database containing information on all utility rates under the commission’s jurisdiction. “I want to thank Rep. Fiedler for her partnership and introducing companion legislation to my S.B. 1254, as well as the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee for advancing this common-sense legislation requiring the PUC to establish a Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – On Monday, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Morgan Cephas, both D-Phila., introduced a joint resolution (H.B. 2807), the Progressive Taxation for PA Bill, which proposes repeal of the Uniformity Clause in the Pennsylvania Constitution. According to the sponsors, Pennsylvania has the fourth-most regressive state and local tax system in the country, exacerbating income inequality and putting an undue burden on the working class. A significant reason for this, they said, is the Uniformity Clause in the state constitution, which requires all taxes to be applied uniformly to the same class of subjects. “Pennsylvania desperately needs revenue to fund our schools, roads, public transit, and more, but the Uniformity Clause is one of the biggest roadblocks to getting the mega-rich and mega-corporations to pay what they owe,” said Fiedler . “It just doesn’t make sense that a worker making $7.25/hour pays the same income tax as someone making seven figures, or that a family home in South Philly pays the same property tax as an Amazon warehouse worth $70 million. That’s not fairness – it's elites skating by in a broken system.” “Philadelphia has one of the highest state and local taxes for working families, and any attempts to change that have been stopped in their tracks by the Uniformity Clause,” said Cephas . “This clause implements a regressive Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 25 – On Thursday, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and state Sen. Nikil Saval, both D-Phila., presented Comunidad Garces, formerly Garces Family Foundation, with a check for $122,000 at the foundation’s South Philly office. The funds come from a state grant intended to support the group’s English-language learning and workforce development programs for Philly’s immigrant population. “I am so proud to represent this vibrant and diverse district, but also humbled by the struggles that our new neighbors face,” Fiedler said. “I’m filled with gratitude and hope knowing that these state dollars will help Garces continue their important work, to continue to serve and empower our immigrant neighbors right here in South Philly.” "Our city has not been immune to the national challenges felt most acutely by immigrants across our country,” Saval said. “But in these moments of uncertainty, the work we do in building an inclusive, welcoming economy strengthened by solidarity will guide us through. These are efforts that Comunidad Garces upholds every day, and I am proud that this state investment will help expand their capacity to better serve our immigrant neighbors.” The Garces Foundation is a community-based nonprofit committed to providing Philly’s immigrant population the healthcare, education, and support needed to Read more
Rep. Fiedler's Summer 2026 Newsletter Read more
PHILADELPHIA, August 28 – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler announced that $460,000 in state grants will be coming to schools and education organizations in her South Philly district. This funding was included in the 2026-2027 state budget. The grants include: $250,000 for City Year, which operates at Southwark School $100,000 for Philadelphia Education Fund, which operates a College Access Program at Furness High School $110,000 for Vare-Washington School for second phase improvements to their schoolyard “From direct classroom to support to improving the play areas for students, these grants are going to really improve the lives of kids in my district, not to mention the staff, teachers, families, and community members who will also benefit!” Fiedler said. “I was so thrilled by this news and to know that public dollars are being used the right way, to help our community.” The funding for Vare-Washington also advances Fiedler’s public space improvement effort, SPRING. This grant will help the school improve their blacktop and playground. The SPRING effort has now brought $3.7 million to Fiedler’s district for parks, gardens, school recreation areas, and other public spaces. A complete map of all awards can be seen at bit.ly/spring184map. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 11 – Today, Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Jordan Harris, both D-Phila, presented a citation of recognition to the staff of South Philly Library. The certificate from the PA House of Representatives recognized the South Philly Library’s year-round work as a community hub as well as the staff’s concerted efforts during extreme weather events in the winter and summer. “On some of my best days and some of my worst days, libraries have been a place I go to feel comfortable.” Rep. Fiedler said. “I’m so grateful to the staff here and the Friends of South Philly Library volunteers who go above and beyond to keep this library running, and who do the lifesaving work to take care of our neighbors when the library serves as a Warming Centers each winter.” “The South Philadelphia Library is a perfect example of what it means to truly serve a community,” said Rep. Harris, Majority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “This staff shows up for our neighbors every day, whether they need access to information and resources, a safe place during extreme weather or simply a place where they feel welcome. That kind of commitment matters, and I’m proud to recognize the people who make this library such an important part of South Philadelphia.” The recognition noted the extra efforts required of staff during Read more
HARRISBURG, July 21 – Legislation to promote nuclear development in Pennsylvania was signed into law Monday, announced state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., who sponsored the bill. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 2017, which also was sponsored by Reps. Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. The new law updates the state’s fee structure for operators of nuclear energy sites to reflect how modern small modular reactors and micro-reactors differ from traditional light-water reactors. The change will make building smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader,” Giral said. “I am proud that the governor has taken swift action on our bill and signed it into law. The faster we can help the industry streamline here, the faster we see return on our investment. “Up-front capital needed to build new traditional reactors is prohibitively expensive, and this law meets the moment by recognizing small modular reactor development as the next important step in nuclear development and updating our current fee structure to make it more affordable for SMR developers to build here.” According to the lawmakers, traditional light-water nuclear reactors have sprawling footprints with multiple reactors per site. They take extensive time and money to construct and run. Read more
“Every day as parents, we make sure our kids have a healthy lunch, dress them for the weather, and remind them to be kind and give school their best. But too many parents in Pennsylvania don’t have the peace of mind that they’re dropping their child off at a safe school building – that their kid won’t be exposed to asbestos, or be in a classroom with a leaky roof, or have to deal with an unusable wheelchair ramp,” Fiedler said. “We’ve made huge steps in the school facilities crisis with funding in the last three state budgets, and now the school facilities inventory will make smarter, more efficient use of those dollars.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 15 – Pennsylvania’s popular Solar for Schools grant program was renewed for a third year in a row as part of the 2026-27 state budget, with $25 million in new funding allotted for it this year. The program represents a major public investment in clean energy that also delivers financial savings for schools, intermediate units and community colleges. It was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., in 2024 and enjoys bipartisan support. "I’m so thrilled that more school districts will soon be able to bring home the transformational benefits of solar energy! This would not be possible without the support of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and many, many advocates,” Fiedler said. “Our schools are not exempt from the affordability crisis facing Pennsylvania. My hope is that Solar for Schools offers a tool to help them combat rising, unpredictable energy costs and put the money toward what matters most: educating our young people.” More than 45 school districts across the commonwealth have already received funding to construct solar panels. The earliest awardees are now preparing to break ground as early as this summer. For the first time, school districts will be permitted to enter into power-purchase agreements (PPAs) with solar developers, which will allow schools to pursue solar arrays quickly and without up-front costs. The developer then installs and maintains Read more
HARRISBURG, July 13 — Nuclear development in Pennsylvania took a significant step forward this week with the final General Assembly passage of legislation which will make the construction of smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in Pennsylvania. The bill (H.B. 2017), prime sponsored by state Reps. Jose Giral, D-Phila., Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, would update the state’s fee structure for operators of nuclear energy sites to reflect how modern small modular reactors and micro reactors differ from traditional light-water reactors. “Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader,” said Giral. “I am proud to see the General Assembly committed to ensuring our laws respond to and reflect energy technology as it evolves. The up-front capital needed to build new traditional reactors is prohibitively expensive and this bill meets the moment by recognizing SMR development as the next important step in nuclear development and updating our current fee structure to make it more affordable for SMR developers to build here.” According to the lawmakers, traditional light-water nuclear reactors have sprawling footprints with multiple reactors per site. They take extensive time and money to construct and run. In contrast, SMRs require more, smaller sites with fewer reactors per site, which allows them to be Read more
HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., majority chair of the PA House Energy Committee, issued the following statement today on the passage of the 2026-27 state budget: “Pennsylvanians are facing a lot of challenges right now. Our neighbors balance day-to-day struggles -- like food insecurity and rising energy bills -- with planning for an uncertain future, as temperatures rise and federal programs are cut. We are living through difficult times. “The people we represent -- working people, families and seniors -- need government to work for them now more than ever. “The budget we passed this weekend makes important strides toward making life a little easier for our neighbors. I’m celebrating our decision to continue funding for neighborhood public schools, a step in the right direction to rectify our state’s historically unconstitutional education funding. This is a big victory: We delivered $8.3 billion in basic education funding and $565 million in adequacy funding . I’m thrilled that with the inclusion of H.B. 1701, my School Facilities Inventory legislation , we will soon have a better understanding of how to allocate funding to the districts that need it most. Additionally, this budget recognizes that so many schools are crucial community hubs outside of regular school hours: We spent $11.5 million on BOOST afterschool programming . “We also renewed Read more
PHILADELPHIA, July 8 – Today, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, state Sen. Nikil Saval, and Councilmember Mark Squilla joined staff and campers to unveil a new, fully redesigned playground at the East Passyunk Community Center (EPCC). The renovation was funded by a joint $75,000 state grant supported by Saval and Fiedler and by the City of Philadelphia. “It’s always a good day when we get to see the impact of public funding right here in our neighborhoods. These dollars, that were once just numbers on a page, are now visible in EPCC’s long-awaited new playground. I’m thrilled that EPCC will continue to create lifelong friendships and strengthen our community for years to come!” Fiedler said. “East Passyunk Community Center is growing and changing just like the people who transform a recreation center into a community. I'm so proud to put public dollars into action to improve the splendid outdoor playground area for the benefit of all the neighborhood’s children. Now equipped with room to crawl, slide and climb, this beloved community anchor is ready to support our youngest neighbors through all stages of development,” Saval said. The East Passyunk Community Center has established itself as a service leader for South Philadelphians of all ages through its many free or low-cost programs and dedicated staff, they said. The playground sits in the front of the Read more
HARRISBURG, July 1 – Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers and advocates spoke in strong support of H.B. 2223, the advanced transmission technologies, or ATTs, bill. The bill, which passed the House unanimously in May, offers an efficient way to save both money and energy. “This is commonsense legislation that will save people money and make sure we reduce how much energy we waste during the transmission process,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, majority chair of the House Energy Committee. “At a time when people are trying to save every dollar they can, this is absolutely legislation we should be able to pass into law. I am proud this bill passed the House unanimously in May and am optimistic it will get over the line in the Senate.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 17 – Continuing its efforts to address the root causes of rising energy prices in Pennsylvania, the House Energy Committee voted favorably to advance key bills that leverage the state’s existing grid infrastructure and next-generation technologies to meet rising demand and improve grid reliability.The bills are: •H.B. 2380: Deploying Battery Storage to Meet Peak Demand.•H.B. 2595: Reducing Interconnection Delays by Slashing Red Tape. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, the PA House of Representatives passed the "Digital Ads Tax Bill" (H.B. 1678) with a bipartisan vote of 139-63. Introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny; and John Inglis, D-Allegheny, the legislation would update Pennsylvania’s existing gross receipts tax to include the sale of digital advertisements.The vast majority of the tax would be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, and Microsoft, which represent an almost $300 billion industry in the U.S. The legislation would require multinational corporations to pay their fair share without raising taxes on consumers or small businesses. The tax applies to the platform selling ad space on websites and apps, not the retailer paying to promote their product. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted 17-9 to advance the Return on Equity bill, which is co-sponsored by Committee Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., and House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.House Bill 2224 would create a default, formula-based return on equity for investor-owned utilities that reflects the true market-based cost of equity. It would ensure that ratepayers pay no more than what is necessary to attract capital investments. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
2400 S. 9th St.Philadelphia, PA 19148-3716
P*: (215) 271-9190
F*: (215) 952-1025
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
317 Irvis Office BuildingP.O. Box 202184Harrisburg, PA 17120-2184
P*: (717) 787-5774
F*: (717) 705-2088