It looks like the final few weeks of Legislative Session will focus quite a bit on energy.  Right now, our folks are tracking the progress of House Bill 20, a bill designed to soften the blow of expiring rate caps.  This bill could have huge consequences for the future of electric competition in Pennsylvania. 

Will new entrants into the market be guaranteed a level playing with the established players?  Requiring a competitively neutral phase-in plan will be the key to insuring that is the case.  And of course, anytime a Title 66 (Public Utility) bill hits the voting schedule, expect a slew of amendments that may or may not have much at all to do with the original intent of the bill (did we just hear someone mention LIHEAP?)

Also on the docket, although much less likely to see the light of day, is House Bill 80, which will dramatically increase the percentage of electric energy required to be sold to retail electric customers from Tier I alternative energy sources.  The new target would be 18% by June 1, 2024.  As is the case anytime a lawmaker proposes “opening up” the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, there will be attempts to redefine alternative energy sources.  The smart money says that the state Senate will not enthusiastically embrace House Bill 80 in any form, but there could be pressure from progressive groups to get the House Democrats to lay down their marker on big-ticket environmental issues. 

We are also checking in on the House Local Government Committee this week, as that panel is slated to take up, among other things, a bill that would expand boroughs’ authority to contract for electric power and energy.  Last one out, turn out the lights!