PJM is the regional transmission operator (RTO) responsible for how electricity moves from power generators (such as power plants) to distribution companies (your utility company, where your bill comes from). RTOs are supposed to ensure electricity resilience and affordability and are overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PJM’s territory includes Pennsylvania and all or part of 12 other states, and D.C.
PJM’s processes affect our electricity prices. They hold capacity auctions that anticipate how much electricity will be needed in the future and what it will cost for that power to flow (hopefully) without interruption. The capacity auctions have resulted in over-reliance on expensive and volatile fossil fuels. In addition, new energy projects are stuck in PJM’s long queue of projects waiting approval, including renewable energy projects.
Our Work
We are working in coalition at the state and regional levels to advance reform at PJM.
Take Action
-- PA House Bill 1599, a bipartisan bill to improve transparency for decisions made at PJM, has made it to the PA Senate. This bill would require electric companies to report on how they vote on issues at PJM in an effort to ensure decisions are made in the interest of consumers. Ask Your State Senator to Support PJM Transparency!
-- FERC has ordered every regional grid operator to develop new rules for connecting large electricity users to the grid, including large hyperscale data centers. These rules matter. Done right, they can ensure new data centers help strengthen our electric system while protecting households from higher electricity costs and supporting clean energy. Tell FERC: Data Centers Should Pay Their Fair Share!
-- Connect with the Chapter Advocacy Team (C.A.T.).