Richard W. Jones

State College

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to raise electricity rates between six and 11 percent for residential, commercial and industrial customers in Pennsylvania. So says Energy Innovation, a think tank. That’s due to the loss of low-cost renewables and the resulting increase in gas prices.

“As deployment of new energy resources and advanced manufacturing decline under the bill, Pennsylvania will lose out on significant planned private investment,” Energy Innovation reports. “We forecast annual losses of $2.3 billion in GDP by 2030 and $3.6 billion by 2035 in Pennsylvania.

“Summed through the budget window, energy provisions in the final bill would cost Pennsylvania $21 billion in GDP. Workers will suffer from factory closures and construction halts. We forecast job losses of 16,000 jobs in 2030 and 21,000 jobs in 2035 in Pennsylvania due to the Senate bill.”

The law, which went into effect July 4, wiped out many incentives for clean energy production and installation. The incentives don’t end right away, however. If you want to take advantage of them and save money on your federal income tax there is a window of time. Here’s a “use ’em or lose ’em list, courtesy of Canary Media, an organization that covers clean energy issues.

— The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) can reduce your income tax by up to $2,000 for installation of heat pump heater/air conditioners or heat pump water heaters. It can get you up to $1,200 off your income tax for insulation and air sealing materials, windows and energy efficient doors. Expires Dec. 31, 2025.

— The Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) subtracts 30 percent of the cost of clean energy installation off your federal tax bill. This covers solar panels, solar water heaters, home battery storage, geothermal heat pumps and home wind turbines. Expires Dec. 31, 2025.

— New Clean Vehicle Credit (30D) can chop $7,500 off your federal tax bill for a brand-new electric vehicle (EV). That’s if you’re a single person making less than $150K per year or a married couple earning less than $300K. Better shop soon. Expires Sept. 30, 2025.

— The Used Clean Vehicle Credit (25E) will reduce your federal income tax by $4,000 if you buy a used EV from a dealer. Married couples have to earn less than $150K to qualify. Singles earning less than $75K qualify. Expires Sept. 30, 2025.

— The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (30C) delivers up to $1,000 off your federal tax bill to install qualified EV charging equipment if you live in an eligible area. Expires June 30, 2026.

Richard W. Jones is a volunteer with the State College chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Reach the chapter at PaStateCollege@citizensclimatelobby.org.