Pennsylvania’s power plan battles rage on in 2026

(The Center Square) – Officials in Pennsylvania spent much of 2025 grappling with ways to modernize the state’s energy mix while preparing for a surge of new demand.

In 2026, the pressure will be even higher as AI data centers driven by Microsoft and Amazon come online. And it seems everyone, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, has big ideas for the future.

The governor’s Lightning Plan and a competing push for both fossil fuel and renewable projects drove debate over a host of issues, all circling the same question of whether new generation can be added to the grid fast enough.

Billed as an “all of the above” energy strategy designed to lower consumer costs, create energy jobs, and streamline approval of new power projects in the commonwealth, it has met opposition on several fronts.

The plan – House Bill 501 – requires 35% of generation to come from renewable sources within 10 years. It advanced from the ...