Senate Sends Brubaker Electricity Procurement Legislation to the Governor’s Desk
 
HARRISBURG – The Senate unanimously voted today to permit Pennsylvania municipalities to enter into contracts to provide lower energy costs for consumers, according to Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36).
 
The Senate voted to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 168, legislation introduced by Brubaker to give boroughs the authority to take part in power supply and electric generation projects to secure affordable and reliable energy for consumers. The bill would allow boroughs that own or operate electric generation or distribution facilities to acquire electricity at the best value through memberships in non-profit member corporations.
 
“Rising energy costs are one of the primary concerns for many consumers, so it is very important to give boroughs the ability to negotiate power supply agreements that will benefit members of their community,” Brubaker said. “This bill would give municipalities another option to reduce energy costs for residents.”
 
Pennsylvania gives municipal governments the authority to provide electricity service to its residents, but they do not have the authority to enter into money-saving electricity generation contracts under current law. Several others states give their boroughs the authority to enter into electricity generation projects to benefit consumers.
 
Senate Bill 168 would also permit boroughs to advertise or solicit bids or price quotes if the borough council determines that action to be in the public interest. The legislation would take effect immediately if it is signed into law by the governor.
 
Senate Bill 168 will now be sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.
 
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