Lower Bucks Co. Lawmakers Protest PECO Proposed Rate Hikes

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY – A group of state lawmakers has formally called on PECO to reconsider its recent regulatory filings seeking additional increases to electric and natural gas rates.

In a letter sent April 2, the legislators expressed concerns that PECO’s proposals would place further financial strain on residents already facing high utility costs.

The letter was signed by Sen. Frank Farry (R-6), Rep. Shelby Labs (R-143), Rep. Joe Hogan (R-142), Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-178) and Rep. Kathleen Tomlinson (R-18).

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat, also issued a statement about PECO's proposal.

Other Democratic lawmakers — State Reps. Tina Davis, Brian Munroe, Jim Prokopiak and Perry Warren — said they are opposed to the increases.

“As ordinary Pennsylvanians struggle to pay for groceries, rent, and electricity, PECO has decided to worsen the economic burden instead of alleviating it,” Munroe said. “I am strongly opposed to this rate hike.”

The lawmakers noted PECO received rate hikes of 10 percent for electric service and 12.5 percent for natural gas in January 2025, after which the company reported a 47.7 percent increase in net revenue, totaling $814 million for the year.

Despite this, PECO is now seeking an additional 12.5 percent increase for residential electric customers and 11.4 percent for residential natural gas customers at a combined cost of $429 million.

The legislators emphasized any further increases would negatively impact ratepayers and urged PECO to meet with them to discuss concerns directly.

While the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will ultimately review the proposals, the lawmakers stressed the importance of protecting consumers from excessive rate burdens.

“Families across Bucks County are facing a real cost-of-living crisis, made worse by skyrocketing gas prices; PECO’s proposed rate increase is simply out of touch with that reality,” State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10) said. “I support HB1834 and the Governor’s GRID plan to make sure developers of data centers bear the costs of the energy infrastructure needed to support them. I urge Senate leadership to take up this bill along with other components of the Governor’s Lightning Plan to help lower energy costs."

Davis, Munroe, Prokopiak, and Warren all voted for H.B. 1834, which would begin the process of forcing data centers to pay for their own electricity.

The bill passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last week.

“Families in my community and many across Pennsylvania will be hurt deeply, should this proposal be accepted,” said Prokopiak, who splits Levittown with Davis. “PECO’s actions yesterday were irresponsible, unethical, and frankly, idiotic.”

Click here to read the letter signed by a group of Bucks County Republican lawmakers.