Upcoming PUC Technical Conference Focuses on Utility Costs Driven by Data Centers and Other Large-Load Customers
Safeguarding consumers against cost impacts and reliability concerns driven by rapid data center development will be examined at the November conference
HARRISBURG – As the rapid buildout of data centers and other large-load facilities continues to fuel concerns about cost impacts on Pennsylvania households, along with growing worries about power grid reliability, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will convene a technical conference on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, to examine how costs associated with large new loads are identified and allocated.
“Time is of the essence when it comes to addressing costs driven by data center growth, because the costs for energy, capacity, distribution and transmission are already increasing for ordinary retail customers,” said PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow. “This technical conference will help us vet issues of cost responsibility in a data center driven world and inform the Commission on how best to protect the public interest.”
Following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s August 18 Executive Order, the PUC continues to examine measures which address the allocation of data center-related costs. This conference enables utilities, consumer advocates, lar…