Pennsylvania Republicans Propose Bill Mandating Data Center Power Generation

Pennsylvania State Representative Craig Williams introduced House Bill 2372, also known as the Pennsylvania Electricity Ratepayer Protection Act, on June 4, 2026. The legislation seeks to prevent residential and small business ratepayers from subsidizing the infrastructure costs associated with the massive energy demands of artificial intelligence and hyperscale data centers.

The bill would legally mandate that data center developers construct their own power generation—including nuclear, solar, wind, or natural gas plants—and pay the full cost of necessary utility infrastructure. Additionally, the act would require electric utilities to enter long-term power purchase agreements to ensure competitive pricing parity for ratepayers. The move follows electricity price increases announced on June 1 by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for providers such as PECO, Met-Ed, and PPL.

Williams and House Republican Leader Jesse Topper argued that a legal mandate is necessary to codify existing principles, including a Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by President Donald Trump and a Statement of Principles Regarding PJM signed by Governor Josh Shapiro. The legislation currently awaits consideration by the House Energy Committee. Williams specifically noted that the bill aims to ensure Pennsylvania reaps economic benefits from power production rather than exporting energy to neighboring states like Ohio.