Andrew Lewis: Shapiro blames everybody but himself for rising electricity prices
From Broad and Liberty (Commonwealth Foundation):
When it comes to energy policy, Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to blame everybody but himself for rising electricity costs.
The governor attacked several boogeymen in his recent budget address, blaming Republicans, PJM, and utility companies for out-of-control price hikes.
To make matters worse, he has taken his finger-pointing act on the road. While visiting Washington, D.C., Shapiro, alongside several other governors, criticized PJM, calling the grid operator “inept,” “faceless,” “bureaucratic,” and “too damn slow.”
Last winter, he even sued PJM to set a price cap that — shockingly — didn’t lower electricity prices. Worse, the amount of power purchased fell short of the targets designed to avoid blackouts.
PJM auction prices sent a clear message: Electricity is becoming harder to supply because reliable power plants are shutting down, and regulations are slowing down the development of new projects. The higher prices aren’t a trick or manipulation—they’re a signal that we need more power production.
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