When it comes to energy, policymakers in Harrisburg need to talk very seriously about future affordability, innovation and economic development in rural communities. Yet the single greatest tool to achieve all three — energy generation — remains shackled by political indecisiveness and ideological constraints.
PJM’s capacity prices told the story plainly in 2024: We’re not building enough power, and we’re going to continue paying dearly for it, as the rate rises have just begun. The result is predictably regressive — rising costs for working families, less competitiveness for Pennsylvania businesses and fewer opportunities in our rural counties where new energy projects could thrive. Want to see rural revitalization? Give financially burdened farmers consistent solar farm lease payments. You will see economic activity in all corners of the state.
The commonwealth has the resources, the workforce and the ingenuity to continue powering the next century. That means embracing an “electron agnostic” approach — encouraging investment in nuclear expansions, solar and battery growth, natural gas infrastructure, clean coal reclamation through plasma gasification, and hydro reinvestment. No one source alone can meet demand, but together, they can secure our grid and our economy.
It’s time to reclaim Pennsylvania’s reputation as an energy capital. The politics of exclusion are costing us power, jobs and influence, and that is impacting our wallets. We need leaders who think less about optics and more like electrons — agnostic, efficient and always moving toward what keeps the lights on.
Jim Gregory
Hollidaysburg
The writer is executive director of the Conservative Energy Network.