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Dear Neighbor, Our community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in West Caln Township. Corporal O’Connor dedicated his career to protecting the people of Pennsylvania, and his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences are with Corporal O’Connor’s family, loved ones, and his fellow troopers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. I am holding them all in my thoughts during this unimaginable time. As we honor Corporal O’Connor’s life and service, please note the road‑closure details for his private March 18 graveside services at All Souls Cemetery. Road Closure Details:
Detours:
The road will remain closed for several hours and will reopen once services conclude. Heavy traffic is expected, and drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. Adjusted School Schedules: Additionally, because of the road closure, the Downingtown Area School District has implemented a Flexible Instruction Day (FID) on Wednesday, March 18 for the following schools:
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Pennsylvania’s Perfect Storm of Electricity Prices
We’ve talked a lot about how soaring demand for electricity, driven by data center development and speculation, is causing electric bills to skyrocket. And while all 13 states on our regional electric grid are feeling the impacts, Pennsylvania’s decision to double-down on liquid natural gas (LNG) exports and our heavy reliance on natural gas for power generation here in the commonwealth leave us especially vulnerable to market pressures.
Pennsylvania families are facing rising electricity bills driven by a combination of global instability and decisions made much closer to home. Because our state relies on natural gas for nearly 60% of our electricity, disruptions in global fuel markets, from freezing temperatures to international conflict to rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions, flow directly into what households, small businesses, and school districts pay each month. And as LNG exports surge, domestic prices are increasingly tied to what buyers overseas are willing to pay.
Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the entire country and one of the largest exporters of electricity. The gas is flowing out of our ground. But because of the way the markets are structured, Pennsylvanians do not automatically get cheaper energy as a result. We pay the market rate, and the market rate is set globally, not here at home.
At the same time, renewable energy projects remain stuck in an eight-year backlog, and growing demand from data centers is adding new strain to a grid already under pressure. Even though Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s largest energy producers, these overlapping challenges have created a perfect storm that leaves consumers vulnerable to forces far outside their control.
Read my full post on Substack for a deeper look at what is driving these rising costs and several steps we can take to protect consumers by diversifying our energy mix, strengthening oversight, and reducing Pennsylvania’s exposure to global volatility. |
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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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Information Session on Data Center Development with CCATO
On Tuesday, I attended an informational session on data center development hosted by CCATO, the Chester County Association of Township Officials. Municipal officials from Chester and Montgomery counties attended the meeting in person or online to hear from panelists about considerations related to zoning, land use, grid stability, water consumption, our workforce, and our utility bills.
The questions around how we manage data center growth and its implications for our communities are not going away. At the local level, our municipalities are scrambling to create strong ordinances that protect our land, air, water, and residents’ quality of life. At the state level, my colleagues and I continue to push for strong policy around ratepayer protection, energy reliability, and the transition to cleaner generation. It’s never been more important to be an informed and active participant in this process. Achieving outcomes that prioritize the public interest over corporate profits will require sustained, informed engagement from all of us. |
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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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