JL: Susan, the governor is proposing a series of reforms to address this gap and the burden on ratepayers. What does he want to do?

SP: He proposed a couple of things, including a new utility affordability watchdog who will scrutinize company profits against the burden of rate payers. This is theoretically what the PUC is supposed to do. So he’s also asked the PUC to step it up.

Gov. Josh Shapiro: “I want the PUC to examine every single line of every single bill to ensure each customer dollar is being well spent.”

SP: He also wants to eliminate certain fees. So for example, if someone gets their electricity shut off for lack of payment, they often have to pay an extra fee to turn it back on. Now, it’s important to note that Shapiro can’t make all these changes by himself. He needs lawmakers to do their part.

JS: “I’m working with the PUC to prevent excessive utility profits this year, but the General Assembly needs to take action to lower costs for consumers going forward by giving the PUC a set of benchmarks to follow when determining how much profit a utility company can make.”

JL: Now, how is the industry reacting to the governor’s roadmap to rein in high electricity costs?

SP: The industry says it is willing to work with the governor. It also says there needs to be additional power plants built. And here’s an interesting thing, Jennifer. Back in the 90s, Pennsylvania deregulated its electricity market. So that meant that the utilities that had once both generated electricity and distributed it and sold it were no longer allowed to do both things. They want to go back to generating electricity and distributing it. Now, the reason that was broken up was because the government wanted to increase competition, right?

And lower rates for ratepayers. So it’ll be interesting to see if this gets off the ground and if utilities are able to actually go back in time and start generating electricity as well as sell it.

JL: Pennsylvania is not alone. New Jersey and Delaware, and other states are dealing with high electricity prices, too.

SP: Yup, that’s true. Our region is all part of the same electrical grid that I mentioned earlier. It’s operated by PJM Interconnection. Shapiro is very critical of PJM, accusing them of dragging their feet on installing new energy projects, specifically renewables. Now, PJM pushes back on that and says that is simply not true. The grid operator says it has approved a number of projects, but other issues are holding back construction, things like state permits and supply chain issues.

JL: OK, well thank you, Susan. Thank you. From our climate desk, Susan Phillips this morning on WHYY’s Morning Edition.

Donald G. “Don” Bailey, 74, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in 1951 in Johnstown, Don was a pillar of the community whose influence reached far beyond the classroom and the football field.

Family and Legacy

Don was the devoted husband of Diane Rose (Carson) Bailey, with whom he shared a beautiful 53-year journey. Above all, Don was a family man who loved spending every possible moment with Diane. Together, they shared a love for travel, especially retreating to their second home in Marco Island, Florida, where they found peace and joy by the water.

His legacy lives on through his sons, Brandon (Heather) Bailey and Derek Bailey; and his five cherished grandchildren: Karsen, Morgan Rose, Koby, Adriana Rose, and Leo. He is also survived by his sister, Chyrle Kormanik, and her husband, Dave. Don was preceded in death by his parents, George L. and Nadine (Hillegas) Bailey, and his sister, Linda Bailey.

A Life of Perseverance

Don was a man defined by grit and faith. He fought a long and courageous battle with atrial heart disease, prostate cancer, metastatic melanoma, and the effects of a stroke. He faced each medical challenge with unwavering strength, supported every step of the way by his wife, Diane. Her selfless and devoted care throughout his illnesses was a testament to their enduring bond, allowing him to face his final years with dignity and comfort.

Education and Athletics

A pioneer in his family, Don was the first to graduate from high school, attend college, and earn advanced degrees. A 1969 graduate of Forest Hills High School, he was a standout three-sport athlete, earning nine varsity letters. He attended Southern Illinois University on a football scholarship before graduating from California University of Pennsylvania with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He furthered his commitment to leadership by earning his Principal certifications and his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Penn State University.

Professional and Coaching Career

Don dedicated his entire professional life to the Forest Hills School District, serving as a teacher, principal, and ultimately, Superintendent. On the sidelines, he became a legend as the Head Football Coach for 45 years, compiling 375 wins, 11 Laurel Highlands championships, and 10 District 6 championships. His contributions earned him inductions into the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Football Foundation.

Faith and Character

A man of profound faith, Don was a faithful member of the Salix Bethel Church for over 42 years. He was known for his fierce loyalty to his students and players. Though he had only two sons by birth, Don famously mentored thousands more whom he considered his “sons by choice.”

He lived his life by the words of 2 Timothy 4:7–8:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Service Information

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. Visitation at Salix Bethel Church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Salix Bethel, Dr. Chad Brown, presiding. Interment, Mount Hope Cemetery.