PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank Elected President of Organization of PJM States

Published on 10/22/2026

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Pennsylvania takes leading role in regional energy discussions as states confront rising energy costs, growing electricity demand, and a changing power grid

HARRISBURG - At a pivotal time for the future of Pennsylvania's energy grid, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Steve DeFrank has been elected president of the Organization of PJM States, Inc. (OPSI), giving Pennsylvania a prominent leadership role in regional discussions about rising electricity costs, growing energy needs, and decisions shaping the future of the regional power system.

DeFrank's election comes as Pennsylvania and neighboring states face critical decisions about how to meet growing electricity demand, accommodate new energy development, maintain dependable electric service, and protect families and businesses from unnecessary energy costs.

"Pennsylvania has always been a leader in energy, and as our electric grid undergoes a historic transformation, we need a strong voice in the decisions shaping its future, and that of the PJM region," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "For too long, Pennsylvanians have faced rising electric bills without seeing the improvements in reliability they deserve. We have an opportunity - and a responsibility - to get this right by protecting families and businesses from unnecessary costs, bringing new energy resources online, and making sure the grid works for the 67 million people who rely on it. That means OPSI and the Governors' Collaborative have critical work to do right now, as Chairman DeFrank takes on this important new role. Chairman DeFrank understands what's at stake, and I look forward to his continued leadership as Pennsylvania helps shape an energy future that works for everyone."

As president of OPSI, Chairman DeFrank will help lead collaboration among state utility regulators across the PJM region. That leadership will help ensure that Pennsylvania and other states have a strong voice in regional decisions about electric markets, infrastructure investment, and the costs ultimately borne by consumers.

"Pennsylvania has a tremendous stake in the future of our regional energy grid, and I am honored to have the confidence of my fellow state regulators as we work together to address the challenges ahead," said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. "The decisions being made today about energy supply, infrastructure investment, and growing electricity demand will shape what consumers pay for electricity and how dependably that power is delivered for decades to come. Our responsibility is to ensure that consumers have a strong voice in those decisions and that we work collaboratively across state lines to develop practical solutions that protect customers, support economic growth, and strengthen the grid we all depend on."

Pennsylvania's Voice in Regional Energy Decisions

Pennsylvania plays a central role in the PJM Interconnection region, serving as a major producer and exporter of electricity while also supporting a diverse mix of energy resources, major industries, and millions of residential and business customers.

As the regional grid evolves, decisions involving electric generation, transmission infrastructure, large new electricity loads, and the allocation of costs will have far-reaching implications for Pennsylvania consumers and the Commonwealth's economy.

OPSI provides a forum for state utility regulators throughout the PJM region to coordinate on these issues, exchange perspectives, and engage collectively in matters involving PJM and federal energy regulators.

"While each state brings its own priorities and perspectives to these discussions, we share a fundamental responsibility to the people and businesses who depend on a reliable electricity supply at a reasonable cost," DeFrank added. "Through OPSI, we have an important opportunity to work together, strengthen the role of state regulators and help ensure that the regional grid we are building meets the needs of both today's customers and future generations."

DeFrank's presidency will help ensure that Pennsylvania remains actively engaged in those discussions while strengthening cooperation among states with shared interests in protecting consumers, supporting responsible energy development, and addressing the challenges facing our regional electric grid.

Building on Regional and National Leadership

Chairman DeFrank previously served as vice president of OPSI, expanding his involvement in regional discussions about the challenges facing the PJM electric grid.

He also serves as chairman of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Gas, contributing to national discussions involving utility infrastructure, safety, reliability, and the evolving energy landscape.

As chairman of the Pennsylvania PUC, DeFrank has emphasized the importance of balancing reasonable energy costs, dependable utility service, consumer protections, and opportunities for economic growth, particularly as new technologies and rapidly growing electricity demand place additional pressures on the regional grid.

About OPSI and PJM

The Organization of PJM States, Inc. (OPSI) is an association of state utility regulatory commissions within the PJM Interconnection region. OPSI promotes cooperation and communication among its member commissions on matters related to PJM's operation of the regional electric grid and wholesale electricity markets.

Through its work, OPSI provides state regulators with opportunities to share information, coordinate positions where appropriate, and strengthen the role of states in regional and federal energy discussions.

PJM Interconnection coordinates wholesale electricity markets and operates the high-voltage electric transmission system serving all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia, including Pennsylvania.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC's website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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