An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to Public Utility Code, further providing for definitions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 11 co-sponsors

The bill would redefine terms in Title 66 to restrict data centers from qualifying as public utilities, limiting their regulatory status and oversight.

Referred to Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities

Summary of HB 2674 (Session: 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

HB 2674, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pielli and multiple co-sponsors, would amend Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

The bill focuses on general provisions related to the Public Utility Code, specifically providing updated definitions.

A memo accompanying the bill indicates a policy objective: restricting data centers from obtaining Public Utility Status. This suggests the bill aims to tighten criteria or redefine circumstances under which a data center could be treated as a public utility.

Key provisions and changes

The bill proposes amendments to the definitions within Title 66, the core statute governing public utilities in Pennsylvania.

While the exact language is not provided here, the accompanying memo signals a structural change to how data centers could qualify as public utilities, potentially affecting:

Eligibility criteria for public utility status
The regulatory framework applicable to data centers
Tax, rate, or compliance implications tied to such status

The principal policy lever appears to be ensuring that data centers are not easily categorized as public utilities, thereby limiting their access to related regulatory oversight, subsidies, or rate mechanisms that accompany public utility designation.

Who would be affected

Data centers and facilities seeking or currently holding any form of regulatory status as a public utility under Title 66.

Entities regulated under the Public Utility Code, including electric, gas, water, telecom, and other public utilities, as the definitions in Title 66 would influence who falls under regulatory purview.

Government and regulatory agencies involved in utility oversight, rate setting, and compliance enforcement would potentially adjust procedures and criteria in light of revised definitions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to the House Committee on Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities on June 26, 2026.

There have been no committee votes recorded in the available material.

No final passage actions are shown; the bill is in the early legislative process, with potential for hearings, amendments, and floor consideration in the committee stage.

Additional context

The bill’s short title emphasizes the act’s focus on “an Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities)… further providing for definitions.”

The memo “Restricting Data Centers from Obtaining Public Utility Status” indicates a targeted policy outcome, which may be a point of public interest or debate, particularly for the data center industry and utilities regulators.

Potential implications to monitor

How the revised definitions would alter who can qualify as a public utility.

Any changes to regulatory oversight, rate-making authority, franchise rights, or obligations for data centers.

Financial impacts on data centers (e.g., avoided or imposed regulatory costs) and on utility consumers if status changes affect pricing or service requirements.

Administrative burden on the Public Utility Commission and other state agencies to implement and enforce new definitions.

If you want, I can compare the bill text (once available) with current definitions in Title 66 and outline the exact definitional changes and affected statutory sections.