Kozak, Policy Committee Advance Solutions to Keep the Lights On, Costs Down

August 31, 2026

BEAVER COUNTY-Pennsylvania can lower electricity costs, strengthen grid reliability and attract new investment by expanding energy production, removing regulatory barriers and allowing energy sources to compete in the marketplace, testifiers told lawmakers Wednesday during a House Republican Policy Committee hearing.

The hearing, "Keeping the Lights On and Costs Down: Securing Pennsylvania's Energy Future," was hosted by Rep. Roman Kozak (R-Beaver) at Bolland Machine in Chippewa Township.

"Natural gas, coal, nuclear-these sources of energy-they are not a problem. They are a blessing," Kozak said. "They are an amazing thing that helps us run our economy. They help us be the greatest country in the world."

Kozak said government mandates that favor certain energy sources have increased costs without adequately addressing Pennsylvania's need for dependable baseload power. The Commonwealth's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act requires electric utilities to obtain a portion of their electricity from government-designated sources. Kozak is proposing to replace the law with an Affordable Energy Portfolio Standards Act as part of the House Republican "Lights On, Costs Down" energy package.

"My legislation would refocus Pennsylvania's energy policy on what matters most to consumers, dependable power, predictable markets and lower energy bills," Kozak said. "It's really simple. Energy sources should compete based on their ability and affordability and their reliability in our homes and in our businesses, not because one technology has been favored by the government."

Testifiers included Kevin Bolland, sales manager and vice president of operations at Bolland Machine; Emily Stipe, director of federal and political affairs at Vistra Corp.; Kevin Hennessy, senior director of policy at Mainspring Energy; and Laura DelVecchio, administrative director of the Beaver County Career and Technology Center.

Bolland described how energy and infrastructure costs affect his family-owned company, which has operated in Beaver County since 1962 and provides machining and repair services for natural gas engines and compressors.

"Energy isn't just an overhead for us, it's a raw material," Bolland said.

He explained that the company recently considered adding the electrical capacity needed to operate new machinery but received a quote exceeding $100,000. The business instead reconfigured its equipment to operate on less-efficient power.
"That utility barrier forces us to run less efficient every single day," Bolland said.

Stipe said Pennsylvania possesses abundant natural gas, an existing nuclear fleet, a skilled workforce and a competitive electricity market capable of attracting private investment. However, developers need greater certainty before committing to projects that can take decades to develop and operate.

"The most important thing the government can provide industry to enable the building of additional energy infrastructure is certainty," Stipe said. "That includes permit certainty, whether you're a natural gas pipeline or a solar or wind farm, knowing that if your project has all of its requisite permits, they will not suddenly be revoked when there is a change in administration or political power."

Stipe also emphasized the importance of preserving existing generation while new energy resources are developed.

"Keeping in mind both affordability and reliability needs, the quickest and cheapest megawatt is the one already connected to the grid," she said.

Hennessy discussed Mainspring Energy's plans to establish a manufacturing center in the Pittsburgh region that is expected to employ approximately 120 skilled workers during its initial phase. He said the company's flexible power-generation technology should be permitted to compete on equal footing with other energy sources.

"Our request is to be part of the dialogue, to be part of the conversation," Hennessy said. "We've got a great technology that's a really good fit for Pennsylvania.

DelVecchio said Pennsylvania must also strengthen its career and technical education system to prepare the workers needed by the energy and manufacturing industries. Sixteen of the Beaver County Career and Technology Center's 17 programs are currently at capacity, leaving some students unable to pursue their preferred career path.

"Pennsylvania has an opportunity to build its energy and workforce by investing in students that are already here," DelVecchio said. "The students, not only at the Beaver County Career and Technology Center, but Western Pennsylvania shouldn't have to leave here to go elsewhere to find those life-sustaining wages."

Policy Committee Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata) said Pennsylvania must capitalize on its resources, workforce and expertise to meet rising demand while protecting families and businesses from higher costs.

"If we fail to act, Pennsylvania's family and businesses will continue paying more for a grid that becomes less reliable," Rowe said. "Pennsylvania should not be managing energy scarcity. We should be leading the nation in energy production."

Also participating in the hearing were Reps. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Jake Banta (R-Erie), Brian Rasel (R-Westmoreland), Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny), Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) and Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland).

The full hearing can be viewed here: youtube.com/@pahousegop.
Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
717.787.3443
[email protected]
www.policycommittee.com