PUC Releases Additional Details for April 24 Hearing on Grid Impacts from Data Center Growth

Published on 4/14/2025

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released the agenda and additional information regarding its upcoming public hearing to explore the impact of data centers and other large load customers on the state's electric grid.

This en banc hearing, approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission on March 27, 2025, will examine how to ensure a fair, transparent, and forward-looking approach to connecting high-energy users to the grid while protecting existing utility customers.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, located at 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA. The hearing is open to the public, though seating is limited.

Hearing Details

This proceeding will include three expert panels, representing the following perspectives related to large-load energy demand and growth:

• Large load customers
• Electric distribution companies
• Consumer and public advocates

The full agenda and list of panelists will be posted to the hearing information page of the PUC website prior to the hearing and the testimony submitted by those panelists will be posted to the same web page.

The hearing will be broadcast live via the PUC Live Streaming Channel and a recording of the hearing will also be posted to the hearing information web page following the session.

Comments Invited

As outlined in the initial motion by PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank, the Commission will accept comments from interested parties for 30 days following the hearing. A 15-day reply comment period will follow the initial comment deadline. Additional instructions for submitting comments will be posted to the hearing web page following the hearing.

Hearing Background

The April 24 hearing is part of the PUC's broader effort to assess the growing presence of hyperscale data centers and other energy-intensive operations across Pennsylvania. These large customers can bring benefits such as economic growth and innovation, but they also raise important questions about grid reliability, cost-sharing for infrastructure upgrades, interconnection procedures, and equitable treatment of existing customers.

For more background, read the initial press release announcing the hearing and Chairman DeFrank's motion convening the hearing.