House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on community solar bill

Would allow residents to benefit from community solar projects

Rep. Robert Matzie    February 15, 2024 | 11:33 AM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 15 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony Wednesday on legislation (H.B. 1842) that would create a community solar program in Pennsylvania, according to the committee’s majority chairman, state Rep. Rob Matzie.

Matzie said agency staff, industry representatives and other stakeholders shared potential benefits – and some concerns – about the bill, which would allow residents who are unable to install their own solar equipment to subscribe to a community-generated solar program. 

“We heard a lot of promising information about what community solar could do for PA in terms of job creation, reduced ratepayer costs, greater energy independence and new revenue sources for landowners like farmers,” Matzie said. “But we also heard concerns regarding ensuring that costs are not shifted to customers who choose not to participate.

“Having an all-energy portfolio that isn’t reliant on a single source is important for PA’s energy independence and for ensuring that we continue to export energy now and in the decades to come. But, as with all legislation we review, our committee is going to act deliberately and carefully, getting a dialogue moving and ensuring that any legislation we advance is crafted to protect PA consumers.”

ATTENTION EDITORS AND ASSIGNMENT DESKS: Video of the hearing is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N-hCDIyWHQ&ab_channel=Pa.HouseVideo