PECO to Build PA’s Largest Utility Solar Project Yet

In the face of extreme weather and an increasingly costly and inefficient fossil fuel-based energy system, PennEnvironment, as part of the group Energy Justice Advocates along with other environmental and justice nonprofits, called on PECO to buy more affordable clean energy for their customers. Over the course of two public hearings, 80 testifiers – including many PennEnvironment staff and members – shared how more solar energy will lower electric bills for consumers, clean up our air, decrease the rates of asthma, heart attacks and strokes, and build towards a healthier environment and climate.

“The life-threatening hurricanes that pummeled Florida and other southern states last month should make it clear that the companies that produce and supply our energy must do their part to prioritize and provide clean, renewable energy to their customers,” said Flora Cardoni, Deputy Director of PennEnvironment. “We know that Pennsylvanians want that, and our planet needs it. With the settlement announced today, PECO will purchase and supply more clean, renewable solar power in Pennsylvania. This is a critical step in the right direction.”

Thanks to the powerful testimony from clergy, elected officials, and utility customers and the advocacy of the Energy Justice Advocates, a settlement was approved in November 2024 that requires PECO to procure electricity from the largest utility solar project yet in Pennsylvania. The to-be-built 25 MW solar project will provide customers on the “default service” plan, approximately 75% of PECO’s 1.7 million customers, with more clean and affordable solar power. This project will be the largest utility solar project ever to be built to serve default service customers in Pennsylvania history. 

The settlement is a powerful step towards a healthier Pennsylvania powered by clean, renewable energy and we will continue working with all of our partners in the ongoing fight for 100% renewable energy for all of the state.