PJM’s Coal Bias Is Giving Us Pollution, High Electric Bills

Op-Ed by Jake Schwartz, CCAN Federal Campaigns Manager, initially published in the Bay Journal.

Your electricity bill is going up again. And no, it’s not just inflation. A big part of the problem is PJM Interconnection, the federally regulated but largely independent grid operator that controls the flow of power to 65 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia. Instead of embracing cheaper, cleaner energy, PJM has clung to its fossil fuel biases, and we’re all paying the price.

Every year, PJM holds a “capacity auction” that determines how much consumers will pay to guarantee electricity for future years. On Sept. 1, electric bills increased as a result of the 2024 capacity auction. And earlier in the summer, when PJM released the 2025 auction results, households across much of the region learned that their bills would go up once again in 2026. The blame doesn’t rest on abstract market forces; it rests on PJM’s refusal to prioritize connecting clean energy to the grid.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro delivers remarks
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

At a moment when new renewable technologies promise abundant, low-cost and reliable power, PJM has allowed the grid to stagnate. Instead of connecting the countless clean energy projects that have been stuck in a decade-long queue, PJM has fast-tracked fossil fuel plants, mostly gas-fired, to jump this very same line. This is not just bad for the environment. It’s also a direct hit to our wallets. Oil and gas prices are volatile. Coal plants are aging, inefficient and costly. Yet PJM seems determined to double down on fossil fuels, forcing consumers to pay more.

Recent pushback from politicians, led by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, has successfully convinced PJM to institute a price cap, putting a limit on how high consumer prices can be. In states like Maryland and Virginia, customers served by BGE and Dominion Energy may pay less next year thanks to this pro-consumer response — but it is only a temporary solution, and the rest of the region will face higher costs. Pushback at the state level, however, shows that PJM’s policies can be challenged. Political leaders can successfully fight for reforms that help our pocketbooks.

In Maryland, prices are rising for another reason as well. Earlier this year, as the Chesapeake Bay Journal reported in its April issue, PJM mandated that two coal plants had to remain online even though their owners wanted to retire them. Stuck with its fossil fuel-centric worldview, PJM saw no alternative to meet energy demand than to keep inefficient coal plants online past their retirement date. Because coal is so expensive, this decision will cost some Marylanders up to 24% more per month, according to RTO Insider. This is nothing but a subsidy for highly polluting, uneconomical coal plants, imposed on consumers who had no say in the process.

Air photo of Brandon Shores Generating Station in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, near Baltimore. View facing north.
Air photo of Brandon Shores Coal Plant in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, near Baltimore.

The bitter irony is that PJM’s barriers to clean energy are self-inflicted. More than 3,000 renewable energy projects are currently waiting in PJM’s queue, according to Inside Climate News. If even a fraction were given the green light, consumers could see significant long-term price relief. Wind and solar are now cheaper than coal and gas in most of the country. Battery storage, once a futuristic concept, has rapidly scaled to make those renewable resources reliable around the clock. But as long as PJM keeps its thumb on the scale for fossil fuels, the grid will remain more expensive and less resilient than it should be.

Despite these challenges with PJM, reforms are being discussed. For the first time in decades, this fall PJM filled two board seats and will appoint a new CEO. New leadership could finally bring PJM into the 21st century, prioritizing clean energy integration and consumer affordability. Or, if fossil fuel interests fill the seats, we could see more of the same: higher bills, higher emissions, and fewer options for customers.

This winter, PJM will revisit what it calls the Reliability Must Run rule, the provision that forced the Maryland coal plants to stay online — and could do the same elsewhere. The stakes could not be higher. This isn’t about something abstract. It’s about being able to afford to keep the lights on. Consumers and elected leaders across the region must make it clear that we can never again be required to pay more for electricity to keep old coal plants online.

Unfortunately, even the reform process itself has been shaky. While there were a series of task force meetings scheduled over the summer to discuss PJM reforms, many were cancelled without explanation. It seems clear that PJM is sticking to the energies of the past while the energy prices of the future are only going up. PJM may control the levers of our grid, but ultimately, the public pays the bill. We have to make PJM care.

Op-Ed by Jake Schwartz, CCAN Federal Campaigns Manager, initially published in the Bay Journal.

About the author:

Jake Schwartz (he/him) is the Federal Campaigns Manager at CCAN. Jake grew up in Philly (Go Birds!) and has organized on environmental and electoral campaigns across the country, from Oregon to Indiana. His career in climate organizing began at Green Corps, an environmental advocacy fellowship, where he worked on local, state, and federal campaigns.

Most recently, he was on the Harris-Walz campaign where he helped run the Delegate Operations and then Climate Engagement teams. Outside of work, you can find him running or biking in Rock Creek Park or reading at Meridian Hill Park.

photo of the author of the blog, Jake Schwartz

Virginians Celebrate International “Sun Day” With Solar-Powered Home Tours, School Bus Electrification, and Peace-Centered Community Rally

Group shot of RVA Sun Day festival

Local families, advocates, and community leaders showcase solar as the cheapest, most reliable energy source for the Commonwealth  

Richmond, VA — From Richmond to Vienna to Leesburg, Virginians turned out in force this weekend to celebrate the first-ever International “Sun Day,” joining hundreds of communities nationwide in uplifting solar energy as the clean, affordable power of the future. More than 300 celebrations were organized across all 50 states, with nine events in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region sponsored or co-sponsored by Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and a broad coalition of clean energy allies. 

In Richmond, dozens gathered at “Sun Day: A Day for Peace and the Planet,” co-hosted by CCAN, Third Act-RVA, the Richmond Peace Education Center, and the University of Richmond. The family-friendly event featured live music, art, climate education, and a call to accelerate solar energy deployment across Virginia.

Folks gathered at the Vienna, VA Sun Day Celebration of school bus electrificationIn Vienna, community members celebrated the electrification of school buses at Louise Archer Elementary before touring a newly built PHIUS-certified net-zero home. Participants marveled at how energy-efficient features improve comfort, cut bills, and create healthier indoor environments. Throughout the day, large community banners declaring “Celebrate Solar” were displayed across town, uplifting solar as cleaner, cheaper, safer, and unlimited.

“For decades, we’ve called this stuff ‘alternative energy.’ We want to drive home the point that that’s not true anymore. This is the straightforward, common-sense, obvious way to power our future, the cheapest way to drive down electric prices, the easiest way to build a working America,” said Bill McKibben, co-founder of Third Act – the group that is the the driving force behind Sun Day  – as well as a pioneering environmental author, who has been instrumental in bringing global attention to climate change and the potential of renewable energy.

In Leesburg, visitors toured a home powered entirely by solar, where residents showcased how households can thrive on renewable energy without relying on polluting fossil fuels. The event offered a firsthand look at Virginia’s energy future while engaging families in conversations about transitioning toward 100% clean power. 

“Every day, the sun provides more energy than humanity could use in a year. It’s time we center our future around that gift,” said Ting Waymouth, Northern Virginia Organizer, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). “These events made clear that Virginians understand the urgency of the clean energy transition, and are ready to lead with solutions that protect families, lower bills, and safeguard our planet.”

These events are part of the DMV region’s participation in International Sun Day, a weekend of actions across the U.S. and the world, organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events are planned in all 50 states, with CCAN sponsoring or co-sponsoring 9 across the DMV region.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.

Family-Friendly Festivals in Takoma Park and Baltimore Celebrate “Maryland Sun Day” with Music, Art, and Kids’ Activities

Group shot of

Community festivals highlight solar energy’s role in an affordable, sustainable future, featuring children’s activities, live performances, and conversations about Maryland’s clean energy leadership.

TAKOMA PARK, MD — Sunshine, live music, and the power of community brought hundreds of residents together in Takoma Park and Baltimore this past weekend for “Maryland Sun Day” celebrations, part of a global movement calling for the large-scale deployment of solar energy that is cheap, reliable, and ready to go. Residents of all ages are invited to enjoy music, art projects, kids’ programming, and hands-on educational activities while connecting with local leaders to send a clear message: we have the tools to power our communities with clean energy and overwhelming public support to do it.

In Takoma Park, families, neighbors, and local legislators gathered at the Takoma Urban Park Gazebo to enjoy an afternoon of music and community activities. Local musician Teresa Jiménez headlined the family-friendly concert, while kids participated in sun-inspired projects and interactive learning stations highlighting the promise of solar power. The event showcased the city’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and clean energy leadership in Maryland.

Delegate Charkoudian speaking at the Takoma Park Sun Day event“Solar energy projects are the cheapest and quickest to build energy projects on the planet,” said Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, MD District 20. “We can lower bills, stabilize the climate, and create family-sustaining jobs by creating market certainty for solar energy of all types — residential, community solar, and utility scale.”

Other speakers at the event included Maryland State Senator William C. Smith, Jr. (District 20, Montgomery County), Delegate David H. Moon (District 20, Montgomery County), and Bryan Bomer, Sustainability, Energy, and Mechanical Manager, Montgomery County. 

In Baltimore, families gathered for an afternoon of children’s crafts, food trucks, and solar education programming. Attendees enjoyed music performances from Tavair Dominique, Buzz Merrick, and Dan and Claudia Zanes, reinforcing the joy and creativity at the heart of Maryland’s transition to renewable energy.

 

Folks gathered at the Baltimore Sun Day event“Takoma Park and Baltimore came together this weekend to show what solar power really means: healthier communities, affordable energy, and a brighter future for our kids,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director for Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Maryland has the chance to lead the nation in clean energy, and these celebrations prove residents are ready and eager to see it happen.”

Both events were part of the DMV region’s participation in International Sun Day, a weekend of “Sun Day” actions across America and around the world – organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events were planned across all 50 states. In the DMV region alone, CCAN sponsored or co-sponsored 9 events.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.

Solar Power Shines by the U.S. Capitol: Electric Vehicles Parade on the National Mall to Kick Off International “Sun Day” Celebrations of Clean Energy

Senator Ed Markey (MA) addresses a Sun Day weekend rally on the National Mall.

Parade and press conference bring together legislators and activists to launch a weekend of over 300 events across 50 states with the goal of promoting cheap, reliable solar energy. CCAN sponsors 9 events in the DMV region.

 

WASHINGTON, DC — The first-ever electric vehicle (EV) parade near the U.S. Capitol was held today to kick off a historic campaign for greater solar energy deployment worldwide. This initial “Sun Day” weekend celebration featured dozens of electric cars, bikes, and scooters decorated with pro-solar messages, circling on the National Mall. Just prior to the EV parade’s arrival, Congressional and state legislators joined clean energy and climate activists at a press conference to call for broader use of clean energy and a faster transition away from fossil fuels.  

At the press conference, a historic solar hot water panel, originally installed on the White House roof by President Jimmy Carter over 45 years ago and still operational, was displayed as a symbol of America’s enduring potential for clean energy leadership. View the full array of inspiring events nationwide on the Third Act “Sun Day” webpage.

Watch a recording of the live stream HERE.

“Solar and wind are the most affordable sources of electricity in our country,” said U.S Senator Ed Markey (MA). “Last year 94 percent of all new electrical generation installed in the United States was wind and solar and battery storage technologies. That’s what builds the fear into the coal and natural gas industry’s heart, they can see it coming. Because if it’s 94 percent then 95 percent, year after year, we have replaced the dependence which we’ve had upon coal and natural gas. So that’s our job. Last year 50,000 new megawatts of solar was installed in the United States. In 2009 we had a cumulative total of 2,000 megawatts…. We’re coming out on Sun Day, we’re letting everyone know that if they are not going away, we’re not going away. We’re on the right side of history.”

“As Virginia and the entire country are facing increasing energy demand, solar is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to develop energy generation to meet this coming demand,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan, 6th District, Virginia House of Delegates. “Outside of just providing energy, these projects help families and communities by providing a critical source of income while also supporting local schools, emergency response programs, and much more through the revenue to localities. There is no doubt that the path to affordable and reliable energy depends on the continued development and installation of solar.”

“Solar power isn’t just a clean energy issue,” said Laurie Welch, a leader with the volunteer group Third Act Maryland. “It’s a housing affordability issue. Rooftop and community solar lower utility bills, which means residents have more money to cover their rent or mortgage. As our founder, Bill McKibben, says, ‘Renewables are no longer an ‘alternative’ energy – not Whole Foods. Renewables are now the Costco of energy – cheap, available, and ready to go!’”

“Solar is the cheapest and fastest-to-build source of new power, with enormous potential to cut energy bills, create jobs, and help us tackle the climate crisis,” said Charles Harper, Power Sector Senior Policy Lead at Evergreen Action. “Fossil fuel interests know that the promise of solar and other clean energy technologies threatens their bottom line, so they’ve tried to shut it down at every turn. But the momentum is too great, and we won’t let them. This first Sun Day is about celebrating how far we’ve come — and building the people power we need to push our leaders to deliver even more clean energy now.”

“Solar power is not new to America; 45 years ago, President Jimmy Carter installed solar hot water panels on the White House roof,” said Mike Tidwell, executive director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). “One of those panels is here today, and it’s still operational. Think about that, a panel built almost 50 years ago is still able to harness free power from the most abundant resource in our solar system, whereas fossil fuels require endless costly searches for a new supply and pollute our air every time they are burned. Today’s solar systems can provide the cheapest and cleanest energy for your homes and businesses for decades to come. It’s long overdue for solar panels to become the new symbol of America’s clean energy leadership.”

Electric car driving past U.S. Capitol part of EV Parade and Press Conference

This EV parade and rally in D.C. kicked off a weekend of “Sun Day” actions across America and worldwide – organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events are planned across all 50 states, starting this weekend and extending into October.

In the DMV region, CCAN is sponsoring or co-sponsoring 9 events, ranging from a Sun Day For Peace & The Planet in Virginia to a tour of solar-powered homes across the District. Most activities will culminate on Sunday, September 21, the autumnal equinox, declared International Sun Day. For information about CCAN’s Sun Day events, visit our website.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.

Hundreds Pack DEQ Hearing to Oppose Dominion’s Chesterfield Gas Plant

Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Del. Mike Jones, and Del. Rodney Willett join residents urging denial of the air permit

CHESTERFIELD, VA — Hundreds of residents, community leaders, and public health advocates filled the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) air permit hearing Monday night to oppose Dominion Energy’s proposed methane gas plant in Chesterfield. Speaker after speaker warned of higher energy bills, more pollution for nearby neighborhoods, and a costly step backward for Virginia.

Check out the live stream recording of the hearing here.

Senator Hashmi speaking at the Chesterfield Gas Plant hearing 9/8/25“Tonight’s turnout makes one thing unmistakable: Chesterfield families do not want a new gas plant,” said Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-SD15). “This project would raise costs and increase pollution when cleaner, more affordable options are available right now. DEQ should deny this permit and protect public health.”

 

Delegate Mike Jones speaking at the Chesterfield Gas Plant hearing 9/8/25“Virginians are already stretched, and communities closest to this site have lived with industrial health burdens for generations,” said Delegate Mike Jones (D-HD77). “Dominion’s proposal asks the public to pay more for more pollution. We can meet our energy needs by investing in efficiency, storage, and renewables that lower bills and create jobs.”

 

Delegate Willet speaking at the Chesterfield Gas Plant hearing 9/8/25
“Families in Chesterfield and across Virginia are already paying too much for electricity,” said Delegate Rodney Willett (D-HD58). “Dominion’s proposal would force customers to bankroll outdated fossil fuel infrastructure instead of investing in cleaner, cheaper energy solutions that are readily available. We should be building a system that lowers bills and safeguards public health, not one that keeps us tied to the past.”

 

“People showed up because they understand what is at stake,” said Glen Besa, board chair and co-founder of Friends of Chesterfield. “This plant would lock in years of fossil fuel costs and emissions at a site already harmed by coal. DEQ should listen to the community and reject an outdated, risky project.”

The proposed facility would be built at the retired Chesterfield Power Station site. Residents and experts testified that the project would add to local air pollution, undermine Virginia’s clean energy goals, and expose customers to volatile fossil fuel prices. Speakers urged DEQ to require cleaner, lower-cost alternatives.

DEQ will now review public comment and testimony from the hearing before making a permitting decision.

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The No New Gas Plants Coalition is a statewide alliance of grassroots organizations, community leaders, environmental advocates, and policy experts working to stop the expansion of costly and polluting energy infrastructure in Virginia. Formed in response to Dominion Energy’s plans to build up to six new gas-fired power plants, the coalition is united by a vision of an affordable and clean energy future. Together, we advocate for the health and voices of Virginia communities most impacted by pollution and rising energy costs. 

The Coalition includes Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, Appalachian Voices, CASA, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Chesterfield County NAACP, Clean Virginia, Friends of Chesterfield, Mothers Out Front, New Virginia Majority, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Southern Environmental Law Center, Sunrise UVA, Virginia Conservation Network, and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.