HARRISBURG (AP) – The artificial intelligence boom is leading to fights in some states over growing utility profits. Governors, attorneys general, and others are protesting rising electricity bills and say cash-strapped residents are stuck in a broken system. Officials in over a half-dozen states, including PA, are going to new lengths to try to block rate increases proposed by utilities. Some are pressing utilities to completely change their model for financing major system upgrades. The push comes during a midterm election year in which “affordability” is a leading theme. In recent weeks, Gov. Josh Shapiro pressured PECO, a Philadelphia-area utility subsidiary of Exelon Corp., to withdraw a 12.5% rate increase or $20 per month extra for the average residential customer. Shapiro is a Democrat running for reelection this year.
