In this Episode
Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, Apple Music
Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, Electric Power Supply Association
Guests: Stephen DeFrank, Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
In this episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler sits down with Stephen DeFrank, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, to talk about how the commonwealth is managing major electricity demand growth and advancing competitive power solutions.
Chairman DeFrank offers a candid look at how a restructured state like Pennsylvania is addressing surging load from data centers, manufacturing, and electrification—while staying focused on reliability and affordability.
They dig into efforts on grid interconnection, market signals, PJM coordination, and what “all of the above” really means in practice—as well as integrated resource planning, siting reform, and federal-state cooperation.
Topics include:
- How PA is responding to load growth with limited control over generation
- The state’s evolving approach to integrated resource planning
- Speeding interconnection for large users
- Affordability and the regulator’s responsibility to the public
- Coordination with PJM, FERC, and the Organization of PJM States, Inc.
- Why natural gas infrastructure is critical for electric reliability
Power Quote
“Affordability is a piece of reliability—because if I can’t afford it, it doesn’t matter how reliable it is.”
CHAIRMAN STEVE DEFRANK, PA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
Key Takeaways
Pennsylvania Is Planning for a Surge in Electric Demand: Chairman DeFrank outlines how the Commonwealth is tackling increasing load from data centers, manufacturing, and electrification with a flexible, all-of-the-above strategy.
“The data center discussion wasn’t even on the OPSI agenda last year. This year, you can’t find a panel without it.”
Speed to Interconnection Is a Top Priority: To stay competitive, PA is focused on streamlining utility interconnection timelines—while also protecting ratepayers from stranded costs.
Regulatory Innovation in a Restructured State: Though the PUC doesn’t control generation, DeFrank highlights how advocacy, planning, and coordination with PJM Interconnection and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are shaping the state’s energy future.
“As a restructured state, we can’t order generation to be built—but we’re finding every tool available to shape outcomes.”
Affordability Is Part of Reliability: With 31 rate cases in one year, affordability remains central to the Commission’s work—especially for vulnerable customers. New efforts aim to streamline assistance and improve cost transparency.
“The PUC is in the middle of 31 rate cases this year. That’s triple what used to be a busy year—and we know what that means for ratepayers.”
Data Centers Need Options: PA is working to offer data centers a range of viable connection models—front-of-the-meter, behind-the-meter, co-located—without defaulting to one-size-fits-all rules.
“We want to give data centers a menu of workable options. One size fits all just isn’t going to cut it.”
Natural Gas Infrastructure Remains Critical: 63% of natural gas consumed in PA powers electricity generation. DeFrank stresses the importance of building out both electric and gas infrastructure to meet future needs.
“Gas infrastructure is electric infrastructure… It’s not about wires vs. pipelines—we need both to meet tomorrow’s needs.”
EPSA’s Competitive Power Summit Sets the Stage: DeFrank joined EPSA’s 2025 Summit in April—this episode builds on that conversation and previews additional insights from federal and state regulators. Watch his full panel on EPSA’s YouTube channel, and check out our other Summit podcast episode featuring FERC Commissioner Dave Rosner and Georgia PSC Chair Tricia Pridemore.
Producer, Audio Editor: Christina Nyquist, senior director, Communications, EPSA
Podcast Music: Let Me Hold That, LTD.
