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.

SB 616 restricts Pennsylvania electric utilities from passing lobbying, political advertising, or other prohibited costs to consumers through rate increases. It requires utilities with over 75,000 customers to file annual reports detailing lobbying expenses, employee involvement, and third-party vendor payments related to political activities. The bill also mandates that utilities can only include specific types of advertising (e.g., safety information or energy conservation) in rate calculations. Additionally, it requires electric distribution companies to join regional transmission organizations and report their voting records on organizational matters.