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 20 - Today, H.B. 2584, a bill to create a user-friendly public utility rate case record, passed the PA House with unanimous support. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced the bill as a companion to a Senate bill (S.B. 1254), sponsored by state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Lawrence. The bill would direct the Public Utility Commission to create a centralized, searchable database containing information on all utility rates under the commission’s jurisdiction. Currently, information relating to utility rate increases is accessible only on a case-by-case basis on various pages of the PUC’s website. “As utility bills continue to rise month after month, electric customers deserve to know how those decisions were made — without having to spend countless hours researching and tracking down information,” Fiedler said. “This is a practical change that gives Pennsylvanians more access to information that should already be accessible to them.” Last month, the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee unanimously approved the bill with an amendment clarifying the exemption for telecommunications carriers. The bill has no known opposition and is supported by the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate. “I appreciate Representative Fiedler introducing H.B. 2584, companion legislation to my S.B. 1254, and am thankful the House Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 20 – On Monday, the PA House passed H.B. 2790, a bill to prohibit excessively loud ads on streaming services, with overwhelming bipartisan support, 189–14. “This bill is simple: what you set is what you should get,” said co-sponsor state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila. “As a lawmaker and as a parent, it’s frustrating for the video you’re watching to be interrupted by an ad at a much louder volume than the original video. I’m glad that we’re one step closer to giving Pennsylvanians the control they deserve with this House vote.” “Whether you live in Philadelphia or Allegheny County, nobody wants commercials blasting through their television, computer, or phone louder than the show they’re watching,” co-sponsor state Rep. Jeremy Shaffer , R-Allegheny, said. “This is commonsense consumer protection that brings streaming services in line with the standards we’ve had for traditional television for years. I’m pleased to have worked with Representative Elizabeth Fiedler in a bipartisan manner to address an annoyance that affects families across Pennsylvania.” While the FCC currently regulates television advertising volume through the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, the law doesn’t apply to internet-based streaming services. The CALM Act went into effect Dec. 13, 2012. Similar Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct 19 – Today, the House passed H.B. 1667, which would reform the existing Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy, known as EDGE, tax credit and create a new electric usage fee on data centers. Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, applauded this passage as a win for renewable energy and affordability in the Commonwealth. “This is the largest investment in renewable energy in the Commonwealth’s history,” Fiedler said. “This tax credit will get more clean energy online, which we know will help lower electric bills and improve reliability on a strained grid. We need this urgently to combat the rising cost of electricity, which is causing households all over Pennsylvania a lot of pain. This bill represents one of the biggest environmental wins in Pennsylvania in decades.” "This legislation would impose a fee on the largest energy users, specifically data centers, and turn those revenues into a rebate on the electric bills of average homeowners who are facing rising utility costs," said state Rep. Steve Samuleson, chair of the House Finance Committee. This bill makes a number of changes to the EDGE tax credit: drastically reducing the original allocation for natural gas and reinvesting it in renewable energy like solar and the clean manufacturing sector. Included in the appropriation is $34.7 million available for a Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct 19 – In early September, the PUC released a dire report warning about Pennsylvania’s energy future: because of the skyrocketing demand brought on by AI data centers, blackouts and other grid failures could be six times worse than PJM’s planning standard by 2030. House Democrats and the House Energy Committee today announced a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to addressing and reversing this crisis: generation, efficiency and demand response. The bills in the package are: H.B. 2347: PEDA Modernization (Fiedler) H.B. 2651: Siting New Energy Projects (Steele) H.B. 505: Modernizing Energy Efficiency in the Commonwealth (Donahue) H.B. 660: Energy Efficient Appliances (O’Mara) H.B. 2264: Establishing a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program (Davidson) H.B. 2380: Reducing utility bills by utilizing grid-scale battery storage (Rivera) “The House Energy Committee has been sounding the alarm on this crisis since day one. We’ve put forward bills that would increase generation, stabilize and modernize our grid, and help us meet demand at those vulnerable, peak moments when power outages are most likely to occur,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, committee chair . “My bill to modernize PEDA as a financing authority would unlock new energy supply, encourage innovation and put people to work across Pennsylvania.” Renewables like Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 – State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Robert Merski, D-Erie, and Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today introduced legislation that would update the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to allow funding for school remediation projects. House Bill 2860 would remove barriers in the RACP program to allow school districts to apply for funding to address urgent health and safety issues. In its current form, RACP grants often fund large capital projects to renovate manufacturing facilities, public spaces, workforce development programs and more. While some school districts can currently benefit from RACP funds, this bill would make applications more accessible, especially to smaller and rural districts. “While the legislature has made progress to invest more in school buildings, including creating the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, so many of our facilities remain in desperate need of additional funding options,” said Fiedler . “Our children are in these buildings now. They can’t wait five, 10 or 20 years for upgrades and modernization.” Pennsylvania is home to some of the oldest public school buildings in the nation, which desperately need redevelopment. Many have outdated materials like asbestos in cracked floor tiles and lead in drinking water, a lack of air conditioning, and inadequate plumbing that puts bathrooms out of order for Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 — As electric costs and household shutoffs reached historic highs this year, PA House Democrats introduced a bold series of bills in April intended to lower costs for everyday Pennsylvanians, hold big corporations accountable and get more energy out of Pennsylvania’s existing infrastructure. On Wednesday, House members gathered again to urge action on this crisis and renew focus on their Energy Affordability bill package. The bills in the package are: H.B. 1834: Data Centers and Consumers (Matzie) H.B. 2131: Promoting Fairness in PA’s Retail Electricity Market (Boyd) H.B. 1457: Prohibiting Weather Normalization Adjustments (Probst) H.B. 2264: Establishing a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program (Davidson) H.B. 2380: Reducing utility bills by utilizing grid-scale battery storage (Rivera) H.B. 2223: Lowering Electric Bills by Adopting Advanced Transmission Technologies (Fiedler) H.B. 2224: Saving Taxpayers Money by Limiting Excessive Profits for Utility Monopolies (Fiedler) House Bill 1457, introduced by state Rep. Tarah Probst , D-Monroe/Pike, would save consumers money by prohibiting companies from charging Weather Normalization Adjustments, which charge customers for energy they never use. “We’re talking today about energy affordability, but how can we expect Pennsylvanians to afford their utility bills when they Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – Following the September PUC report on Pennsylvania's resource adequacy crisis and its ongoing work to increase grid reliability, the PA House Energy Committee convened for an informational meeting on Pennsylvania's electric reliability outlook Tuesday.Last month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission released an independent analysis, conducted by Synapse Energy Economics, warning that rising energy demand presents significant resource adequacy concerns for Pennsylvania and the broader PJM region. 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
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