Energy leaders, the solar industry, and organized labor chiefs are calling on Pennsylvania legislators to approve House Bill 362, authorizing a $156 million federally-funded Solar for All program to better meet the needs of low-income Pennsylvanians.
“[The] $156 million is not a small amount of money, and Pennsylvania can’t afford to leave it on the table,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) and majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee in a press release.
Pennsylvania is the second largest supplier – after Texas – of energy in the nation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Solar for All is a solar installation program meant to serve low-income families and households who struggle with rising utility costs.
“Programs like Solar for All help apply downward pressure to electricity prices, making it easier for families to live and thrive in Pennsylvania,” said Kris Anderson, state coordinator for IBEW [International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers] District 3.
On March 19 a unanimous house floor vote of 202 supported the amended bill’s “second consideration” hurdle, according to the PA Capitol website.
The bill heads to a third consideration – and final vote. lf approved by the House, it will advance to the Senate. There are 203 members of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives.
Daisy Confoy, legislative director for of Rep. Fiedler’s office said a temporary funding pause issued by the Trump Administration had already been reversed.
“While there is uncertainty at the federal level, Solar for All funding was awarded under the Inflation Reduction Act and is already under contract,” said Confoy.
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Confoy added that Solar for All funds must be spent within the first year of the program – or by May 1, 2025.
“The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) itself can rescind [the funding]. Our office is working hard to ensure Pennsylvania does not leave these federal funds on the table,” she said. “The program is [estimated to] reduce electricity bills for participating households by at least 20%, which can make a real difference for families living paycheck to paycheck.”
Once the five-year program has been approved, implemented and installed, an estimated 12,555 Pennsylvania households would have solar installations completed. Confoy said of those properties, over 5,000 homes would require repairs or upgrades to properly fit them for program participation.
“When we talk about Pennsylvania’s Solar for All program, what we’re really talking about is a lifeline for working families across the state,” said Elowyn Corby, mid-Atlantic regional director for Vote Solar Action Fund.
