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Dear Neighbor,
For more than a year, I have worked with legislators from multiple states in the PJM region to express concerns and propose solutions for addressing the strain on our energy grid and the increased costs created by data center development.
Data center energy demand — both actual and projected — caused enormous price hikes at the PJM capacity auction in July 2025, resulting in a 1.5% - 5% increase in electric bills for ratepayers across the PJM region. That increase would have been even higher if it weren’t for the lawsuit that Gov. Shapiro filed against PJM in December 2024, resulting in a cap on the auction price.
That price cap expired at the end of 2025, potentially opening the door for those who stand to profit off of higher capacity market prices, namely fossil fuel companies, utilities, and transmission owners, to once again see windfall payouts at ratepayers’ expense.
In January, I submitted public comment to PJM urging them to reinstate the price cap for at least the next two capacity market auctions.
And earlier this week, I joined a group of 72 state legislators from nine states and the District of Columbia in submitting a letter to the PJM Interconnection Board urging an extension of the price cap plus additional reforms to protect ratepayers, maintain grid reliability, ensure fair competition for renewables and battery storage, and protect families and communities from shouldering the burden of unchecked corporate energy demand.
The letter submitted to PJM calls for several key actions, including:
These concerns reflect many of the issues we have been discussing here in Pennsylvania: the need for PJM to modernize its planning processes, the importance of protecting ratepayers from unnecessary cost increases, and the urgency of ensuring that new large‑scale energy users contribute fairly to the system they rely on.
Yesterday, we learned that PJM has agreed to an extension of the price cap for two years, saving PJM’s 67 million customers an additional $27 billion on their energy bills. In a press release announcing the extension, the office of Governor Shapiro noted that the extension was supported by 95 percent of respondents who submitted public comment to PJM.
While the extension of the price cap is very welcome news, there is much more that needs to be done both legislatively and regulatorily to protect communities and ratepayers from price increases and unchecked data center development and speculation.
I will continue to work with my colleagues here in Pennsylvania and across the PJM region to advocate for responsible grid planning, stronger consumer and environmental protections, and policies that keep Pennsylvania families and communities front and center.
New Grants Awarded to Downingtown Borough
I am pleased to join Senator Carolyn Comitta in announcing that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has awarded more than $160,000 in state grants to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety at intersections and street crossings in Downingtown Borough.
The approved projects in Downingtown include:
These investments will help to improve traffic flow, walkability and pedestrian safety in a busy part of town near some of Downingtown’s most popular parks and local businesses. I applaud the borough’s ongoing commitment to building a safe, convenient and welcoming community for residents and visitors.
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If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on any legislative or state-related issue, please contact my district office at repotten@pahouse.net. |
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Shop for the best electric rate with PA Power Switch
We’ve talked a lot about the rising cost of energy in Pennsylvania and the PJM region and what I’m doing about it. With cold temperatures and rate increases sending electric bills through the roof, there are steps you can take right now to lower your monthly energy bills.
PA Power Switch makes it easy to compare electricity rates and plans, including plans that save you money while sourcing energy from 100% renewable suppliers. PA Power Switch is Pennsylvania’s official electricity shopping website managed by the Public Utility Commission, so you can be assured that offers are verified and legitimate, and the website makes it easy to review and understand the terms and duration of each offer.
In addition to unbiased comparison shopping, the site provides information about your rights as a utility consumer, plus a helpful explainer about understanding your electric utility bill so you can better see which costs are within your control. (PECO will still be your electric utility; PA Power Switch just allows you to choose the company that supplies your electricity.)
Electricity prices fluctuate, so be sure to check back periodically to make sure you are signed up for the program and rate that best suits your household’s needs and budget. Consider selecting a plan with a fixed, non-introductory rate, or setting a reminder on your calendar or phone to reevaluate plans in a few months, especially if the initial program you select has an introductory period.
Taking a few minutes a few times a year to review your options can save money and ensure your energy plan fits both your values and your budget. |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period Now Open
The 2026 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period is now open and accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
This program has made it easier for seniors in Chester County to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.
Please call or stop by my office to find out if you’re eligible and get assistance applying for your rebate. We’d be glad to answer any questions and set up an appointment to help you complete your application online!
For those who prefer to file by mail, paper applications will be available in my office soon, and we will update here when they come in. |
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Free Tax Filing Assistance Available in Chester County
Need help filing your taxes? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is here to help.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is once again offering free, IRS certified tax preparation to eligible residents. By helping individuals keep more of their earnings and access essential tax credits, VITA provides a critical boost for families working to build long term financial stability.
For many households, maximizing this year’s refund is crucial. VITA supports working individuals who do not receive high wages by offering:
VITA sites across Chester County are now open for the season, with locations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Kennett Square, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford, and West Chester.
To learn more about site locations, hours, and what to bring, click here. |
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LIHEAP Application Window Now Open
The 2025–26 LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program) season officially opened on December 3, 2025. LIHEAP is a federally funded DHS program that helps eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to income‑qualified households.
Eligible families are encouraged to apply early. Assistance is available while funds last and is distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. LIHEAP also provides support in crisis situations and weatherization services, ensuring no one has to choose between staying warm and meeting other essential needs. |
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SEPTA Senior Key Cards and Card Renewals
If you have a SEPTA Senior Key Card that has expired or will expire within the next month, we can renew it in our district office. To renew your card before it expires, please stop by my district office, or call us to make an appointment. If you are planning a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show at the end of February, please keep in mind that while the signup process only takes a few minutes in my office, the card will be mailed to you and can take a few weeks to arrive. Now is the perfect time to apply!
My office can also process applications and take photos for new SEPTA Senior Key ID Cards, which allow seniors 65 and older to travel for free on all SEPTA Regional Rail and transit routes within Pennsylvania. Just stop by my district office and bring a form of ID with your date of birth on it, such as a PA driver’s license or non-driver ID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. We’ll enter your information into SEPTA’s online system, take a quick photo, and then SEPTA will mail your new card to you directly. |
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2-1-1 Southeastern Pennsylvania: Health and Human Services
2-1-1 works with county governments and provider agencies to ensure important local program information is easily accessible.
Visit 211sepa.org for more information. |
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Mental Health Resources: Call 9-8-8
Chester County residents experiencing mental-health-related crisis or distress can dial 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This system is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people in crisis to a trained mental health professional.
Chester County offers additional resources for those in crisis, including Chester County’s warm line, 1-866-846-2722, operated by Certified Peer Specialists, who are individuals in recovery with a lived experience of mental health challenges.
Chester County’s Teen Talk Line ensures seamless referral to Mobile Crisis for youth in need of immediate or higher-level support. The call line is 855-852-TEEN (8336), and the text line is 484-362-9515.
Visit the Department of Human Services website for more information about the 988 system and other state and local mental health resources.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, please don’t give up hope, and please know that you do not need to walk this path alone. We are here and we will do whatever we can to help. |
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In observance of Presidents’ Day, our district office will be closed on Monday, February 16. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 17 to assist you with any state-related issue.
My staff and I are here to help make state government work better for you! For assistance with the above programs or any other state-related services, please email repotten@pahouse.net, call 484-200-8259, contact us through my website, or visit my district office in Exton and let us know how we can help!
Sincerely, |
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Danielle Friel Otten |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 34 East Wing (717) 783-5009 |
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District Office 631 Pottstown Pike |
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