Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration filed a complaint on Monday with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission against power grid manager PJM Interconnection, reports Ford Turner for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The complaint alleges PJM conducts energy auction practices that could cost consumers over $20 billion. PJM, based in Audubon, coordinates wholesale electricity movement in 13 states, including Pennsylvania.
According to the complaint, PJM is driving record-high costs through their auctions without ensuring grid reliability. This is in part due to PJM not allowing new plants to connect to the grid. The next auction in July could worsen the problem.
PJM spokesperson Jeffrey Shields said the company is in talks with the state and attributes high prices to supply-demand imbalances from rising energy needs and electrification.
Shapiro’s administration emphasized Pennsylvania’s commitment to expanding power generation to reduce emissions and maintain grid reliability. Pennsylvania is the largest electricity exporter in the United States, according to the administration.
“As the demand for energy continues to increase, my administration is taking action to demand PJM fix its broken processes and adopt common-sense reforms that will allow us to produce more power and meet record-high electricity demand while keeping costs low for hardworking families,” said Shapiro.
Read more about Shapiro’s complaint against PJM Interconnection in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
