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Pa. PUC Releases Agenda For Hearing Reviewing Grid Impacts From Data Center Growth (No Retail Suppliers Listed As Providing Testimony)
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The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released the agenda and additional information regarding its upcoming April 24, 2025 public hearing to explore the impact of data centers and other large load customers on the state’s electric grid
See background on the recently initiated proceeding here
As noted by EnergyChoiceMatters last month, the PUC in opening the proceeding did not specifically cite electric generation suppliers (retail suppliers) as among the stakeholders that the PUC would bring together to review the issues, with the PUC citing, "electric utilities, major energy users, and consumer advocates".
No retail suppliers appear on an agenda released today (nor do any energy services providers, curtailment service providers, energy-as-a-service providers, distributed energy resource providers, etc)
The agenda includes the following remarks and panels:
Opening Remarks, PUC Chair & Commissioners
Large Load Customers
Michael Fradette, Principal, Energy Services, Amazon Web Services
Lucas Fykes, Director of Energy Policy, Data Center Coalition
Brendon Baatz, Energy Market Development, Google
Shawn Smith, Vice President, Utility & Regulatory, Vantage Data Centers
Electric Distribution Companies
C. James Davis, Director, Rates, Energy Procurement, and Federal/RTO Affairs, Duquesne Light Co.
Kelly Gower, Vice President, State Finance & Regulatory, FirstEnergy
Richard Webster, Vice President, Regulatory Policy & Strategy, PECO
Joe Lookup, Vice President, T&D Planning & Asset Management, PPL
Statutory Advocates
Darryl Lawrence, Consumer Advocate, Office of Consumer Advocate
Allison Kaster, Chief Prosecutor, Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement, PA PUC
Through the hearing, the PUC seeks testimony and comment on topics such as:
• Appropriate MW size designations for large load tariffs
• Deposits or financial security from large load customers
• Appropriate calculations of contributions in aid of construction
• Minimum contract terms
• Maximum times for interconnection studies and agreements
• Appropriate fees or expenses for interconnection studies
• Load ramping schedules for customers that may phase in their usage
• Exit or early termination fees
• Distinctions in tariff designs for firm service versus interruptible large load customers
• Large customers bringing primary or back-up generation to serve their load, and any prudent standby rates
• Transparent cost structures for interconnection
• Optionality for infrastructure upgrades to be made directly by prospective interconnecting large load customers, and appropriate tariff subcategories to accommodate such option
• Expedited interconnection for users willing to construct infrastructure or system upgrades at their own expense
• Best practices learned from other jurisdictions
• Any other procedures, rules, or tariff designs that can facilitate the efficient and timely interconnection of this unique category of electric customers
The PUC did establish a post-hearing comment and reply comment period open to all stakeholders
M-2025-3054271
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April 14, 2025
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Copyright 2025 EnergyChoiceMatters.com
Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com
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