AI Data Centers and Your Electric Bill in Lower Salford: Where the 2026 State Senate Candidates Stand
If you live in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, you're in Pennsylvania's 24th State Senate District, and the 2026 race there will help decide how Pennsylvania handles AI data center growth.
What Chris Thomas Wants for Ratepayers
Thomas' platform is built around a plan he calls "No Blank Check for Big Tech." He says Big Tech should not get special deals or handouts that working families never would. He says residents' electric bills should not go up because tech companies want more power. He calls for data centers to meet their own energy needs and for corporations to pay their fair share toward schools and infrastructure. And he wants utility companies to publicly disclose electric capacity and planning, with communities having meaningful input.
What Sen. Pennycuick Has Done
Sen. Tracy Pennycuick co-sponsored SB 939 in 2025, legislation aimed at making Pennsylvania the premier destination for data center and AI development. In May 2026 she announced guardrail legislation that would require large data centers to bring their own power supply and pay a mitigation charge so water and infrastructure costs are not shifted onto ratepayers. That legislation has not passed.
Why Lower Salford Voters Should Choose Chris Thomas
Lower Salford voters who want ratepayer protection and real transparency on data centers should support Chris Thomas in the 2026 State Senate race. His plan puts household electric bills and the community's voice first. Register to vote by October 19, 2026, and make a plan to vote on November 3.
