Pennsylvania families are once again paying the price for global instability.
For the second time in four years, international conflict is driving up gas prices and electricity costs across the United States. First, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted global oil markets. Now, conflict involving Iran and instability in the Middle East are pushing oil prices higher and increasing costs for American consumers.
The lesson is clear: as long as the United States depends on volatile global oil markets and foreign fossil fuels, Pennsylvania families will remain vulnerable to price spikes caused by war, political instability and supply disruptions.
At the same time, federal policies are slowing down the transition to clean energy sources that could help stabilize prices and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Electricity costs have continued rising nationwide, and Pennsylvania residents are already seeing the effects. The most recent PJM capacity auction — which helps determine future electricity prices across Pennsylvania and the region — resulted in dramatically higher costs for the 2025-2026 delivery year. Those higher prices are expected to increase utility bills for households across the commonwealth.
Clean energy can help lower electricity costs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has an opportunity to reduce long-term energy costs by expanding renewable energy, modernizing the electric grid and investing in local clean energy projects.
Solar power, wind energy, battery storage, and energy efficiency projects can often be deployed faster than new fossil fuel plants. These projects can also help reduce strain on the electric grid while creating jobs and lowering pollution.
Programs like Solar for Schools, which Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed continuing in the state budget, can help schools lower energy costs while investing in local clean energy infrastructure.
Other proposals in Harrisburg would expand community solar programs and encourage solar development on warehouses and commercial buildings throughout Pennsylvania.
These policies would not only support clean energy growth. They would also help families, schools and businesses manage rising electricity costs.
Pennsylvania lawmakers should treat clean energy as an economic issue
Clean energy is no longer only an environmental issue. It is also an economic issue and a national security issue.
When global oil prices rise because of international conflict, Pennsylvanians pay more at the gas pump and in their monthly utility bills. Expanding renewable energy can help protect consumers from these price swings by generating more energy locally and reducing reliance on fossil fuel markets.
Governor Shapiro has already taken steps to address rising energy costs, including legal action involving PJM electricity pricing rules. But Pennsylvania lawmakers still have significant work to do.
For years, major energy legislation has stalled in Harrisburg despite growing concerns about electricity affordability, grid reliability, and energy independence.
Pennsylvania lawmakers now have an opportunity during state budget negotiations to support policies that expand clean energy production, lower long-term utility costs and create jobs across the commonwealth.
Pennsylvania needs an energy strategy focused on affordability and independence
Pennsylvania has the workforce, technology, and resources to build a more affordable and reliable energy system.
Expanding community solar, supporting renewable energy projects, and investing in energy efficiency would help reduce dependence on global fossil fuel markets while protecting consumers from future price spikes.
The current energy challenges facing Pennsylvania are not temporary. Without action, families will continue facing rising electricity costs and economic uncertainty tied to international oil markets.
Pennsylvania leaders should move beyond partisan politics and focus on practical solutions that lower costs, strengthen energy independence and support working families.