Governor Shapiro Targets PJM to Address Rising Electricity Bills in Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has taken significant steps to address the rising electricity bills affecting residents. The state's grid operator, PJM, has been identified as a major factor in the increasing energy costs due to its management of energy auctions, which have seen prices skyrocket. Shapiro has filed a complaint against PJM with federal regulators, accusing the operator of a slow process in connecting new power sources to the grid, which he claims has led to price hikes. In response, Shapiro negotiated a cap on auction prices with PJM, a move his administration claims has saved consumers billions. Additionally, Shapiro has criticized utility companies for increasing costs without sufficient public accountability and has announced plans to hire a special counsel for energy affordability to scrutinize rate requests.