US Senate pushes sweeping energy bill with $14 billion savings plan

The U.S. Senate is debating a comprehensive energy bill (S 3143) that aims to cut ratepayers’ costs by more than $14 billion over the next decade. Senators have filed over 180 amendments, including proposals to phase out the Gas System Enhancement Program by 2030, which could save about $1.46 billion, and to tighten utility spending on grid planning, procurement and other reforms.

In Pennsylvania, the state House approved House Bill 2224 unanimously (202‑0) to limit utility shareholder returns and lower electricity bills by roughly 6.5%. The measure would tie returns to a market formula (10‑year U.S. Treasury yield + 2%) and remove the Gross Receipts Tax from utility bills. The bill moves to the state Senate for further action. Both initiatives seek to reduce consumer energy costs while maintaining utility investment capabilities.