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SR 297

A Resolution urging the creation of an interstate compact to allow for a competitive electric transmission market to flourish in the best interest of the electric ratepayer and the economy in general.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 1 co-sponsor

Urges negotiations to form an interstate compact creating a competitive electric transmission market to lower costs, boost reliability, and benefit ratepayers.

Referred to Environmental Resources & Energy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 297

Summary of Bill SR 297 (2025-2026 Session, Pennsylvania)

Title

A Resolution urging the creation of an interstate compact to allow for a competitive electric transmission market to flourish in the best interest of the electric ratepayer and the economy in general.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to advocate for the formation of an interstate compact among states to establish and permit a competitive electric transmission market.
  • The resolution frames the compact as beneficial for electric ratepayers (i.e., consumers) and for the broader economy, by promoting competition in transmission infrastructure and operations.

Key Provisions and Changes (What the Bill Would Do)

  • Call for Interstate Collaboration: Urges state policymakers to pursue negotiations and the formation of an interstate compact involving multiple states.
  • Competitive Transmission Market: Emphasizes creating a framework that enables competition within the electric transmission sector, with the expectation that competition would lead to more efficient pricing, innovation, and reliability.
  • Policy Goals: The resolution highlights outcomes such as lower electricity costs for consumers, enhanced grid reliability and resilience, and economic benefits from a more competitive transmission landscape.
  • Non-Binding Nature: As a resolution, the bill is typically advisory in nature, signaling the Legislature’s position and urging action by appropriate executive or regulatory bodies rather than imposing binding statutory requirements.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Electric Ratepayers/Consumers: Potentially beneficiary through improved prices and service quality due to a competitive transmission market.
  • Utility Regulation and Policy Bodies: State regulators and energy agencies, which would be urged to engage in interstate compact discussions and consider implications for ratesetting, reliability standards, and grid planning.
  • Electric Utilities and Transmission Operators: Entities involved in transmission planning and operations may be affected by a framework that introduces competitive elements, potentially altering market dynamics, investment signals, and governance structures.
  • Interstate Partners: Other states invited to participate in the proposed compact, with whom Pennsylvania would coordinate to establish common rules, market mechanisms, and governance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee as of May 4, 2026.
  • Sponsor Information: Co-sponsors include Dan Laughlin and Camera Bartolotta, indicating bicameral or cross-chamber support (depending on Pennsylvania’s legislative practice for resolutions; typically, sponsor details reflect support in the House and Senate).
  • Next Steps (Typical for Resolutions):
    • Committee review and potential hearings to explore feasibility, legal considerations, and interstate implications.
    • Committee vote to advance or report the resolution.
    • Floor consideration by one or both chambers, depending on the chamber structure for resolutions.
    • If approved, the resolution would express legislative posture and potentially catalyze executive actions or regulatory engagement, rather than create binding law.

Notes and Considerations

  • The resolution signals a policy preference rather than imposing regulatory mandates.
  • Adoption hinges on intergovernmental coordination and the political feasibility of interstate compact negotiations.
  • Practical impact would require subsequent regulatory and legislative actions at the state and multi-state levels, including drafting compact terms, ensuring compliance with federal energy law, and addressing market design, reliability, and consumer protection concerns.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar interstate compacts or outline potential pros and cons typically discussed in debates about interstate transmission market competition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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