Philadelphia creates municipal energy authority

After a long debate, City Council unanimously passed the measure over objections from PECO.

Philadelphia City Council has approved a bill creating a municipal energy authority.  After a long debate, City Council unanimously passed the measure over objections from PECO.

During the pre-council caucus, members of City Council sparred with a PECO lobbyist, who said approving a municipal authority would hurt the utility’s bond rating because it would give the city an option to generate its own electricity and possibly sell it to residents.

Councilwoman Marian Tasco, who is Chairwoman of the Philadelphia Gas Commission, shot back instantly.

“And, darling, when the people on Wall Street look at the possibility of Philadelphia getting into energy, it won’t matter,” said Tasco. “We’re having problems running PGW.”

Councilman Darrell Clarke who co-sponsored the bill says the move gives the city options as caps on electric rates get lifted in Pennsylvania next year.

He envisions installing solar panels on city buildings or construction of a small power plant to help the city during times of peak demand.