HB 782 — An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rates and distribution systems, further providing for recovery of advertising expenses; and, in restructuring of electric utility industry, providing for membership in regional transmission organization.

Bill Text

• Printer's No. PN0803 View text Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill updates the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to specify that public utilities cannot recover lobbying and political activity expenses as operating expenses and mandates electric distribution companies to be members of regional transmission organizations.

• 66 Pa.C.S. § 1316

  advertising → lobbying and political activity

  The term 'advertising' is replaced with 'lobbying and political activity' in the title of the section.

• 66 Pa.C.S. § 1316 (a)

  political advertising → lobbying or political activities

  Restricts public utilities from charging consumers for expenses related to political advertising, now referred to as lobbying or political activities.

• 66 Pa.C.S. § 1316 (d)

  political advertising means any advertising → Lobbying or political activity. Action taken at the State or municipal government level in connection with influencing legislation; participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate for public office; an attempt to influence a segment of the general public with respect to an election, legislative matter, executive decision or referendum; political advertising; or supporting public policy research, analysis, preparation or planning.

  Defines 'lobbying or political activity' to clarify the activities that are included under this term.

• 66 Pa.C.S. § 1316 (d)

  political advertising means any advertising → Political advertising. Advertising for the purpose of influencing public opinion with respect to any legislative, administrative action or candidate election or with respect to any controversial issue to be decided by public voting.

  Establishes a clear definition of 'political advertising' within the context of this legislation.

• 66 Pa.C.S. § 1316 (d)

  prohibited costs. → Definition of prohibited costs which outlines specific expenses not allowed.

  Defines prohibited costs, specifying which expenses cannot be charged to consumers, enhancing regulatory oversight.

• § 2816. Membership in regional transmission organization. (a) Membership.--An electric distribution company shall be a member of a regional transmission organization.

  Requires electric distribution companies to be members of a regional transmission organization.

• 66 Pa.C.S. § 2816 (b)

  On or before February 1 each year, an electric distribution company shall submit to the commission a report on any recorded vote cast by the electric distribution company or, subject to subsection (c), an affiliate of the electric distribution company at a meeting of a regional transmission organization during the immediately preceding calendar year.

  Mandates annual reporting on votes by electric distribution companies in regional transmission organizations to ensure accountability.

• 66 Pa.C.S. § 2816 (c)

  The report under subsection (b) shall include: (1) all recorded votes cast by the electric distribution company, regardless of whether the vote is otherwise disclosed; (2) all votes cast by an affiliate of the electric distribution company, if the electric distribution company itself did not vote on the matter; (3) a brief description explaining how each vote cast by the electric distribution company or its affiliate is in the interest of the public.

  Specifies content requirements for the report on recorded votes by electric distribution companies.

Action History

1. March 03, 2025

   Referred to Energy

Sponsors

• Christopher M. Rabb · Primary
• Joe Webster · Cosponsor
• Ben Waxman · Cosponsor
• Robert Freeman · Cosponsor
• Maureen E. Madden · Cosponsor
• Benjamin V. Sanchez · Cosponsor
• Chris Pielli · Cosponsor
• Kyle Donahue · Cosponsor
• Steven R. Malagari · Cosponsor
• Mandy Steele · Cosponsor
• G. Roni Green · Cosponsor
• Kristine C. Howard · Cosponsor
• Rick Krajewski · Cosponsor

Subjects