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HB 2196

An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for consumer choice billing; imposing penalties; and making repeals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Banta and 22 co-sponsors

HB 2196 amends Pennsylvania utility law to establish consumer choice billing options and sets penalties, potentially reshaping how residents pay for essential utility services.

Referred to Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2196

Legislative bill overview

HB 2196 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities law to establish "consumer choice billing" provisions, though the specific mechanics are not detailed in the available information. The bill includes penalty provisions for violations and repeals certain existing statutory language related to utility billing practices.

Why is this important

Utility billing directly affects millions of Pennsylvania households and businesses. Changes to billing structures, transparency requirements, or consumer protections can influence how residents pay for essential services like electricity, gas, and water, and may alter competitive dynamics in deregulated energy markets.

Potential points of contention

  • Vague bill language: Without knowing the specific billing choices being mandated (time-of-use rates, alternative payment plans, provider options, etc.), stakeholders cannot fully assess costs and benefits
  • Utility company compliance costs: New billing systems may require significant infrastructure investment that utilities could pass to consumers
  • Consumer protection vs. market flexibility: Expanded "choice" could benefit informed consumers while potentially disadvantaging vulnerable populations unfamiliar with complex billing options
  • Interaction with existing deregulation: Pennsylvania's partially deregulated energy market has competing utilities; unclear how this bill affects that framework
  • Penalty structure ambiguity: The bill imposes penalties but their scope and severity are undefined without full text review

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

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