Public Utility Commission launches review of grid impacts from data center growth

WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank to convene a public hearing exploring the growing impact of large-scale electric customers — including data centers and other high-energy users — on the state’s electric grid.

“This is a critical moment for Pennsylvania’s energy future,” DeFrank said. “As we welcome new industries and evolving technologies, we need to strike the right balance — protecting consumers, supporting utilities, and fostering smart growth. This hearing is about making sure we have fair, transparent, and forward-looking rules that benefit everyone.”

The hearing — scheduled for the afternoon of April 24 in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg — will bring together electric utilities, major energy users, and consumer advocates to examine the challenges and opportunities presented by these high-demand customers.

The Commission is seeking testimony and input on a range of topics that will help inform future policy, including the development of a model tariff to guide how large load customers connect to the grid.

Topics include:

• How to define large load customers, including appropriate megawatt (MW) thresholds

• Requirements for deposits or financial security from new large load users

• Cost-sharing and contributions toward necessary infrastructure upgrades

• Minimum contract terms and exit or early termination fees

• Timelines and costs associated with interconnection studies and agreements

• Phased-in usage (load ramping schedules)

• Tariff differences between firm service and interruptible customers

• Backup generation and related standby rates

• Transparent and equitable cost structures

• Whether customers can self-fund and construct system upgrades, and how to account for that in tariffs

• Opportunities for expedited interconnection

• Best practices from other states or regions

• Any other policies or procedures that support efficient and fair interconnections

Consumers alert: Utility scam calls spoofing PUC phone number

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week issued a consumer alert warning about a scam involving telephone calls that falsely claim to be from the PUC — using the phone number of the Commission’s Philadelphia office as the caller ID.

The PUC has received more than 70 calls in one day from concerned consumers who say they received suspicious phone calls appearing to come from the Commission. These scam callers are fraudulently using the PUC’s phone number in their caller ID — a practice known as “spoofing” — to mislead consumers and pressure them into making payments.

According to reports from consumers and staff:

• The callers claim to be representatives of the PUC.

• They tell consumers that PECO, PPL, or another utility has reported a request to switch the consumer to a different utility or energy supplier.

• If the consumer questions the switch, the scammers claim to have a voice recording of the consumer authorizing it.

• The caller then falsely states that the only way to cancel the switch and remain with the utility is to pay a cancellation fee immediately – or face termination of service.

Important Reminder: The PUC does not make direct calls to consumers to demand payment, confirm supplier switches, or threaten termination.

Many consumers said they didn’t answer the call, but returned the number after researching it and discovering it belongs to the PUC’s Philadelphia office.

Scam prevention tips

The PUC offered the following tips to help consumers protect themselves against utility scams:

• Do not provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. Hang up immediately.

• Do not pay unknown callers or provide them with personal information such utility account information, bank account details, credit card, driver license, date of birth, social security number, or address information.

• Never trust caller ID alone. Scammers can spoof legitimate phone numbers to make the call appear credible.

• Contact your utility or supplier directly using the phone number on your bill if you have questions about your account or a potential switch.

• Be aware that utilities may contact customers by phone if a bill is seriously overdue, but these calls are usually part of a broader series of written and electronic notices about a delinquent account or possible termination. If you’re unsure whether a call is legitimate, always contact your utility’s official customer service hotline.

• Report suspicious calls to your utility and the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at — 800-692-7380 — or online at — www.puc.pa.gov.

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at — www.reportfraud.ftc.gov — or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.

• Consider blocking or screening unknown numbers.

House adopts Rep. Watro’s ‘National Medal of Honor Day’ resolution

A resolution recognizing March 25, as “National Medal of Honor Day” in Pennsylvania, sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives this week

“On National Medal of Honor Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of those who have earned our nation’s highest military distinction,” said Watro. “These heroes embody the very essence of selflessness and valor, reminding us of the sacrifices made to protect America’s freedoms. Their legacy continues to inspire generations to serve with honor, integrity and devotion to country.”

Signed into law in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln, the first Medals of Honor were awarded in 1863 to six members of “Andrews’ Raiders” for their participation in a raid during the Civil War known as “The Great Locomotive Chase.”

Since then, the medal has been awarded to 3,528 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen who exemplify selflessness and bravery, including 382 from Pennsylvania.

Reminder: Take advantage of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit this tax season

With the deadline to file personal income tax returns less than three weeks away, the Department of Revenue is encouraging eligible Pennsylvanians to take advantage of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit.

This credit puts money back into the pockets of working families with children in daycare and others who are caring for a family member.

“Last year, this credit delivered $136.3 million to around 219,000 working families. That is tremendous relief that is reaching Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “It can make a huge difference for working families across the Commonwealth.”

Who qualifies & how much is available?

The state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit is based off the federal Child Care Tax Credit.

Here’s what that amounts to for eligible Pennsylvanians:

• Maximum credit: $1,050 (one child/dependent) or $2,100 (two or more).

• Minimum credit: $600 (one child/dependent) or $1,200 (two or more), provided expenses are at least $3,000 per child/dependent.

• The credit cap decreases as income levels increase.

To claim the Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Credit, you must have incurred care expenses for:

• A dependent child under age 13.

• A spouse who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lived with you for more than half the year.

• An individual who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care, lived with you for more than half the year, and either:

— Was your dependent; or

— Could have been your dependent, except that he or she received gross income of $4,400 or more, filed a joint return, or could have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

The credit is refundable, meaning qualified taxpayers will earn the full amount of the credit in a refund, after accounting for any tax obligation due.

The deadline to file 2024 personal income tax returns is April 15, 2025.