Last week, PA Chamber Director of Government Affairs Amy Brinton testified before the Senate Democratic Policy Committee during a public hearing on energy reliability and consumer costs.
The hearing addressed bipartisan concerns over a looming energy shortfall predicted by PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator. Surging electricity demand from artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, paired with the accelerated retirement of traditional energy sources, has raised questions about long-term grid stability and energy affordability.
Brinton highlighted Pennsylvania’s position as a national energy leader, noting it is the top electricity exporter, second-largest producer of natural gas, and the third-largest electricity producer in the United States.
“Pennsylvania’s energy sector supports thousands of jobs, contributes billions to our economy, and provides affordable energy to residents and businesses throughout the Commonwealth,” Brinton said. “We are uniquely positioned to play a key role in addressing this urgent issue and ensure affordable and reliable energy.”
She pointed to a 2023 PJM report highlighting the risks of a widening gap between retiring energy resources and new generation capacity, warning of supply shortages, price volatility, and weakened economic competitiveness if left unaddressed.
To tackle these challenges, Brinton advocated for a balanced energy strategy that leverages Pennsylvania’s existing thermal resources, like natural gas and nuclear energy, while fostering innovation in renewables and emerging technologies such as hydrogen and small modular reactors.
Brinton also emphasized the need to modernize permitting processes to expedite energy projects, citing the recent SPEED Act as a step in the right direction. “Streamlined permitting is vital to ensuring Pennsylvania remains a top destination for energy investment and innovation,” she said.
To read Amy’s full testimony, please click here.
For more on the PA Chamber’s energy advocacy efforts, visit www.pachamber.org/advocacy.