WILKES-BARRE — As utility companies raise electricity prices as a result of last year’s PJM auction, Gov. Josh Shapiro said he is working to deliver lower energy costs for Pennsylvanians and supercharge energy development in the Commonwealth.
When PJM was set to deliver even larger rate hikes next year, the Governor stepped in and filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) against them, ultimately entering a settlement that will save consumers over $21 billion over the next two years.
If left unaddressed, PJM’s next capacity auction — scheduled for July 2025 — could have tripled energy costs for 65 million people across the region, including 13 million Pennsylvanians.
PJM’s name — which stands for “Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland” — reflects the three original states that formed the power pool in 1927. Today, PJM is a larger organization responsible for coordinating the flow of electricity across the PJM region and developing market rules.
In addition to fighting against unnecessary price increases on consumers, the Shapiro Administration remains committed to meeting the need for new generation by getting more power projects built in Pennsylvania as part of the Governor’s “Lightning Plan” to create jobs, reduce emissions, and ensure safe, reliable, affordable power for Pennsylvanians for the long term.
Pennsylvania is a leading producer of energy and the nation’s largest exporter of electricity — nearly a century ago, the Commonwealth helped to found PJM, and today still serves as the generation backbone for the region. PJM operates a capacity market, which means that electric generators are paid to commit to providing energy in the future. Over the last several years, demand for energy has risen rapidly but PJM has been slow to allow new power sources onto its grid — and as a result, PJM capacity prices have skyrocketed.
The Shapiro Administration’s energy leadership is expected to save customers across the PJM region over $21 billion on utility bills in the next two years.
State reminds SNAP recipients to lock EBT cards, change PINs
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) this week are reminding Pennsylvanians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to lock their EBT cards and change their card PINs ahead of their monthly SNAP benefit distribution.
This reminder is extremely timely, as thieves often strike right after a monthly benefits payment is made in order to maximize their takings.
The reminder comes amid nationwide instances of SNAP theft, especially reports of card skimming, where SNAP benefits are stolen off EBT cards after skimming at a point-of-sale machine. But the actual theft of benefits rarely happens right away — thieves often hold on to stolen EBT card information until monthly distributions occur, when larger amounts of benefits can be stolen.
“The Department of Human Services is aware of skimming incidents that have been targeting SNAP recipients — card skimming and SNAP theft have been issues nationwide,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “Do not become a victim of this crime. Make sure you keep your EBT card locked, you change your PIN every month, and when you swipe your EBT card at a card reader, please make sure a skimming device is not attached.”
Meuser co-sponsors legislation to crack down on migrant crime
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week co-sponsored H.R. 3294 — the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act — which would enable the federal government to prosecute illegal aliens who commit murder within the United States.
Currently, Rep. Meuser said the federal government only has jurisdiction over murder cases that are committed on federal property or that involve federal officials.
Rep. Meuser said this legislation expands the government’s jurisdiction by creating a new offense for illegal aliens who commit murder, regardless of the location.
Additionally, any illegal alien convicted under this newly created statute could face either life in prison or the death penalty, which is in line with a recent Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump.
Rep. Meuser’s co-sponsorship amplifies his demonstrated commitment to public safety, especially as migrant crime is becoming more prevalent across the country.
“Even one murder committed by an illegal alien is one too many,” Rep. Meuser said. “We must stand up for victims and families of these horrible crimes and ensure justice is served, regardless of where these horrendous crimes are committed.”
H.R. 3294 has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
PA doubles Pennsylvania Farm Vitality grants
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this week announced that the Shapiro Administration has doubled the amount available to Pennsylvania farmers to support strategic business planning through Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Grants.
The grants reimburse farmers for 75% of the costs of business planning to expand, diversify, or transition farm ownership. The amount available per applicant increased from $7,500 to $15,000 on May 17.
“Farm Vitality Grants are helping farmers across Pennsylvania get the market analysis, financial planning, risk management, and other expertise they need to realize their vision for their farm’s future, whether that’s expanding their operations or protecting their family’s farming legacy,” Secretary Redding said.
Farm Vitality Grants, created under the Pennsylvania Farm Bill in 2019, have supported $2.8 million in project planning, and financial and technical expertise to support growth opportunities for 401 Pennsylvania farms — 60% of the grants have helped families planning to transition ownership of their farm to keep it in the family or pass it to new owners who will carry on their farming legacy.