An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rates and distribution systems, further providing for recovery of advertising expenses; and, in restructuring of electric utility industry, providing for membership in regional transmission organization.

HB 782 prohibits Pennsylvania electric utilities from including lobbying or political activities in their rate base, meaning these costs cannot be passed on to customers through utility rates. It requires utilities with over 75,000 customers to file annual reports detailing all lobbying and political spending, including employee hours, third-party vendor payments, and specific expense breakdowns. The bill also states that advertising expenses can only be recovered if the utility demonstrates they are reasonable and meet defined criteria. This legislation directly affects large electric utilities operating in Pennsylvania.