(6/2022) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers that most utilities will be increasing prices for electric generation on June 1. Many non-shopping (default service) customers will see dramatic increases in energy costs, ranging between 6% and 45%, depending on their electric utility. This increase is even before Gov. Tom Wolf’s carbon tax kicks in, which could nearly quadruple electricity costs for consumers.
The carbon tax is part of Pennsylvania’s entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which was advanced by the governor without legislative approval. According to the PUC, one option consumers may want to explore immediately is their utility’s voluntary Standard Offer Program – which is another alternative for default service customers not participating in the competitive electricity market. Consumers and small businesses can also use the PUC’s PAPowerSwitch energy shopping website to explore and compare other offers from competitive energy suppliers which may provide savings compared to their utility’s default service rate.
House Passes Bill to Ensure Accountability in State Spending
To protect the interests of taxpayers, the Commonwealth has a detailed process by which it purchases goods and services, and it is designed to ensure fairness and accountability. The Commonwealth is permitted to use a less stringent process for procurement in order to expedite necessary purchases in an emergency. While emergency procurement of certain goods and services is vital to meeting the needs of Pennsylvania citizens, we recently learned through legislative hearings that some state agencies are using emergency procurement procedures for non-emergency situations.
I recently voted to change this. House Bill 2159 would establish a new process that would require state agencies seeking to make an emergency procurement to submit a written request and outline the basis of the emergency and how it creates an urgent need for the purchase. It would also require the agency to solicit at least two quotes unless it can explain why it would be impractical to do so. The proposal would allow an emergency procurement if there is a threat to the safety, health or welfare of the Commonwealth or there are circumstances outside the control of the purchasing agency that threaten substantial harm to the operations of the Commonwealth. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Spotted Lanternflies Pose Threat to PA Agriculture
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recently added Adams County to the list of Pa counties under quarantine due to the presence of the invasive spotted lanternfly. You can find the map of existing and new counties here. If you see a spotted lanternfly, especially outside the quarantine zone, it’s imperative to report it online or via phone by calling 1-888-4BADFLY. In Adams County, we treasure our orchards and vineyards. We have good cause to educate ourselves and be on alert for this destructive pest. To learn more, visit here.
Incentives Offered for New College, Career Savings Accounts
The Pennsylvania 529 College and Career Savings Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. According to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, families that open a new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) account during the month of May will be eligible to win a $5,290 deposit into their GSP account to boost their child’s education savings. One new account in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties will also be awarded $529 for their GSP account.
PA 529 accounts provide families a way to save for their child’s future education – whether they attend technical schools, community colleges, apprenticeship programs or four-year colleges and universities all across the country. PA 529 GSP accounts allow families to purchase tuition credits at today’s college tuition rates for use when their child is ready for college. It also offers a number of tax benefits. Learn more at pa529.com.
