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Dear Neighbor,
As we continue the conversation on rising electricity prices this week, here’s a take I think most of us can agree on: Pennsylvania households shouldn’t bear the extra costs created by data center development or pay higher rates driven by excess demand that never gets used.
Families across Pennsylvania and the PJM region saw drastically higher electric bills this winter. While the cold weather played a role, it is only a small part of the story.
The larger issue is that ratepayers are being charged for projected electricity demand that may never materialize. Utilities and grid operators are forecasting significant new power needs from large industrial users, especially data centers, even when those projects are still uncertain or appear in multiple states’ forecasts at the same time.
When demand is overstated, PJM buys more power than we need, and families end up paying the cost.
There are several steps Pennsylvania can take to protect consumers, including stronger oversight of load forecasting, better transparency, and clear rules that require large users to pay for all the costs they create. These reforms would help ensure that Pennsylvania families are not subsidizing speculative growth or inflated projections.
You can read my full statement about the problem, and what we can do to solve it, here. |
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Be a part of the data center conversation
You’ve heard a lot from me about data centers over the past several months, and now I want to hear from you! What questions do you have about data centers? Do you have concerns that have not been addressed?
Please send your thoughts to repotten@pahouse.net and be a part of this important conversation. |
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School visits across the district: Read Across America and an important civics lesson
We had a wonderful week in our local schools, beginning with a visit to Reeceville Elementary for Read Across America. I joined Miss Clark’s first grade classroom as their Mystery Reader, a tradition I’ve come to look forward to each year. Each day during Read Across America Week, the class welcomes a surprise guest to share a story from a different author, and this year I had the joy of reading The World Needs More Purple Schools by Benjamin Hart and Kristen Bell.
The book celebrates how people with different backgrounds and ideas can come together to make something special, and it encourages students to use their “purple skills” to find common ground while appreciating what makes each of us unique. It was inspiring to hear these young students talk about what makes them special and how they can help create more “purple schools” in their own community. As someone who works with colleagues from all walks of life, the message of listening, understanding, and working together is one we can all learn from.
It was also wonderful to catch up with Miss Clark, now in her fourth year of teaching at Reeceville. Her experience as a student teacher helped inspire my legislation that created the Student Teacher Support Program, which is now helping aspiring educators across Pennsylvania. |
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On Thursday, we kicked off this year’s Fourth Grade Tour at Shamona Creek Elementary, followed by a visit to Lionville Elementary on Friday. I had a great time helping students learn the difference between the state and federal governments, how an idea becomes a bill and a bill becomes a law, and how to be active and make their voices heard. We even had time for a mock House session where we debated and voted on my legislation that would require schools in Pennsylvania to provide thirty minutes of recess and thirty minutes of lunch for all students in grades K through 12. Our Speaker of the Fourth Grade House did an excellent job keeping our members in order while conducting the business of the House, and the bill passed with majority support.
We will continue visiting fourth-grade classrooms across the district throughout the spring, and I am always inspired by the thoughtful questions, curiosity, and enthusiasm these students bring to learning about their government. |
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Following the State Budget Hearings
The House Appropriations Committee has been holding budget hearings over the past two weeks, and my team and I have been closely following each session. These hearings give legislators the opportunity to question department leaders, review program performance, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. They also offer a clear look at how each agency plans to meet the needs of Pennsylvanians in the year ahead.
We pay particular attention to the departments that align with my committee assignments: Education, Environmental and Natural Resource Protection, Health, Human Services, and Liquor Control. Each of these areas plays a critical role in the well-being of our communities, from school funding and public health to environmental stewardship, social services, and government accountability. The hearings have highlighted both the progress being made and the challenges that remain in delivering these essential services.
The testimony and data shared during these hearings will help shape the negotiations ahead as the House and Senate work with the administration to craft a responsible spending plan. The budget process is a collaborative effort that relies on public input, committee review, and ongoing conversations with stakeholders across the state. While the hearings continue in Harrisburg, my staff and I are meeting with local officials, school leaders, nonprofit organizations, and residents to understand how the governor’s proposal aligns with what our communities are experiencing on the ground.
As we move toward a final budget, I will continue to monitor the hearings and advocate for a spending plan that reflects the needs and priorities of families across Pennsylvania. My focus remains on strengthening our public schools, supporting safe and healthy communities, ensuring accountability in state government, and investing in the long-term well-being of our Commonwealth.
You can find a full schedule of budget hearings on the House Appropriations Committee website and find links to the livestream for each hearing at pahouse.com/live.
Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown 2026 Snowball Shuffle
Team Otten is excited to cheer on participants in the Downingtown Communities That Care 2026 Snowball Shuffle, a family‑friendly 5K run and 1‑mile walk that raises funds for youth mental health and prevention programs in our community. The event will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Eagleview Town Center, with registration opening at 8:00 a.m. and the run and walk beginning at 9:00 a.m. Participants receive a long‑sleeve event shirt and can enjoy the hot chocolate bar, sweets station, and refuel table after the race.
Team Otten will have a table at the event, and we would love for you to stop by, say hello, and learn more about the work we are doing in central Chester County. Your participation helps support a great cause, and your presence helps build the strong, connected community that makes events like this so special.
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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.
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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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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