Senator Gene Yaw (R-23), who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, has introduced a bill to revise Pennsylvania’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit program. The proposed changes aim to prioritize investment in baseload power generation to address increasing electricity demand and concerns about grid reliability.
“Pennsylvania stands at a critical crossroads,” Yaw said. “Our electric grid is experiencing the most rapid demand in decades, yet we continue to retire reliable power sources faster than we can replace them. By modernizing the EDGE program, we can encourage the development of dispatchable, always-on power sources that are essential for grid stability.”
Yaw referenced a recent warning from the U.S. Department of Energy, which projects that blackouts could become nearly 100 times more frequent by 2030 if additional reliable energy sources are not added. He stated that Senate Bill 1106 aims to align Pennsylvania with regional transmission organization requirements and restore balance to an electrical grid under pressure from growing demand and outdated infrastructure.
The senator also highlighted Pennsylvania’s efforts to position itself as a leader in artificial intelligence. He noted that this goal brings increased economic opportunities but will also significantly raise electricity needs because data centers and computing facilities require constant energy.
According to Yaw, restructuring the EDGE program would provide developers with long-term certainty and financial resources necessary for investing in projects that enhance grid reliability and support future growth in Pennsylvania.
For further information or updates on state matters, constituents are encouraged to visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
