Skip to content

Member News ~ July 9, 2026

July 8, 2026

Member News ~ July 9, 2026

 

 

Events & Dates:

Sidewalk Sales in Downtown Danville - July 10 & 11

Get ready to shop local and save big during the annual Downtown Danville & Beyond Sidewalk Sales, taking place Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026. Participating businesses throughout Danville will offer special promotions, sales, and sidewalk displays, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy a weekend of shopping and community spirit. Check Out the Flyer Here!

Children's Icons Elephant & Piggie Bring Literacy and Summer Fun to the BTE Stage - Jul 16 through Aug 2

Looking for something fun for the whole family this summer? Enjoy engaging, community-centered entertainment like Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, featuring beloved storybook characters, local talent, and plenty of laughs for all ages. Don’t miss the special sensory-friendly performance designed to make theater accessible and welcoming for everyone. Learn More

Bloomsburg Area YMCA hosts 4th Annual Run Forest Run - July 18

The Bloomsburg Area YMCA is hosting its 4th Annual Run Forest Run on Saturday, July 18th, along the Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest. Participants can choose from a 5K, 10K, or, new this year, a Half-Marathon, making the event a great fit for runners of all experience levels. The course follows an out-and-back route on mostly flat gravel and dirt roads. Proceeds support YMCA programs and projects that help make our facility more accessible to everyone in our community. Join us for a great morning on the course while supporting your local YMCA!"

Third Annual Veterans Benefit Voyage Train Rides Move to Berwick for WWII Weekend - July 18

The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (“NSHR”) will be running their third annual Veterans Benefit Voyage. This year’s fundraiser train rides will be boarding at Berwick’s World War II Weekend out of Test Track Park located at S. Eaton St., Berwick, PA. Rides will depart at 10am and 1pm. These hour-long train rides (10am & 1pm) will travel south towards Bloomsburg (for 30 minutes) and return. The locomotives featured for these trips will be LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit). Learn More at: www.northshorewarehouse.com/usa

McKonly & Asbury Free WEBINAR - July 30

This free, one-hour webinar will take place on Thursday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. One “Specialized Knowledge” CPE credit is available for this webinar. The level for this webinar is intermediate, and working knowledge of the LIHTC program is required. This program is a live webinar which offers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenters. Registration Link: WEBINAR: Year 15 for LIHTC Partnerships | Mid Atlantic CPA

Community Giving Foundation Announces New $300,000 Grant - Due July 31

Community Giving Foundation, in collaboration with Amazon and the Luzerne Foundation, proudly announces the launch of the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund, a bold $300,000 aimed at empowering nonprofits serving Columbia and Luzerne Counties. The application process will open July 1, 2026, with a deadline of July 31, 2026. Learn More at Foundation Grants - Community Giving Foundation

Service 1st’s Annual Charity Duck Derby - August 1

The Service 1st Federal Credit Union rubber duckies are getting ready for their Annual Charity Duck Derby scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon on the Danville/Riverside Bridge in Danville. Don’t miss your chance to sponsor a duckie, or a flock of rubber duckies, in the big race! Tickets are on sale now through July 31, 2026

Bloomsburg Rotary Hosting 37th Annual Golf Tournament - August 12

Join the Bloomsburg Rotary for its 37th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Agape's Backpack Program.  The Event is on August 13th at Frosty Valley Country Club.  Sign up today with your golfers.  Sponsorship is also available.  

Announcements:

InnoTek Computer Consulting Breaks into Top 200 of Channel Futures MSP 501

InnoTek Computer Consulting, a leading provider of managed IT services, cybersecurity, and computer consulting for small and mid-sized businesses, announced it has been ranked #124 on the 2026 Channel Futures MSP 501 — the most prestigious and comprehensive ranking of managed service providers in the world. The 2026 ranking marks a landmark achievement for InnoTek on multiple fronts: a 253-spot improvement from the company's 2025 position, and a decisive break of its previous best ranking of #207, set in 2022. Great Job Innotek!

Susquehanna Valley United Way Celebrates Successful Campaign

The Susquehanna Valley United Way announced that their 2025-2026 Campaign has raised over $560,000 to support regional programs. The funds raised will directly benefit individuals in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. $250,000 will be distributed in direct allocations to local partners, supporting critical services in early and STEAM education, after-school programming, food security, mental health, housing and more across the five-county region. SVUW thanks all their campaign contributors.

PPL Electric Utilities has restored power to more than 245,000 customers after severe storms over the Fourth of July weekend

The storm caused outages for more than 264,000 customers, making it one of the most significant storm events in the company’s history. More than 3,000 personnel—the largest restoration workforce assembled since Hurricane Sandy—continue working to restore service, with the company on track to restore at least 95% of affected customers by Monday night and nearly all remaining customers by July 8. While crews focus on the most complex repairs involving damaged poles, trees and electrical equipment, PPL Electric is also offering bill credits to reimburse customers for water and ice purchased during extended outages. Check outage status and estimated restoration times at pplelectric.com/outage

IMC Announces New Members to its Board of Directors

The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. announces the appointment of Ken Healy, Executive Vice President and Director of Engineering at PMF Industries, Inc. and the appointment of Tammy Bubb, Corporate Controller at Remmy- The Pallet Company, to its Board of Directors.

Weis Center Announces 2026-27 Season

The Weis Center for the Performing Arts announced their 2026-27 season including 26 professional performances. Check out the full lineup of performances and visit the season brochure here.

LCCC Awarded $1 Million Dual Credit Innovation Grant

LCCC was awarded a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant will expand access to college-level coursework for rural and underserved high school students through a regional partnership serving Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Learn More

Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:

Wellness Wednesdays continue in downtown Danville - July 15

Free programs designed to promote health, relaxation, and movement for community members of all ages and abilities. Hosted in Canal Park, Wellness Wednesdays are generously sponsored by Geisinger and funded through a grant partnership with the Community Giving Foundation. July 15 | 6:00 PM - Simple Strength Training with Resurrection Movement Studio.

Benton’s 41st Annual Frontier Days Rodeo - July 14 through 19

The Benton Rodeo is proud to be recognized as one of the very best among more than 65 rodeos east of the Mississippi River. Tickets are available online. Grounds open at 4pm, Vendors and food stands open between 4:30 and 5pm. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7:30pm Championship Rodeo | Sunday Bull-A-Rama 7:30 pm

Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment - July 17 through 19

The 2026 Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment will take place at Riverfront Park (aka "The Test Track") at the end of South Eaton Street in Berwick, PA Friday July 17th through Sunday July 19th. Click here for more information

Rabbittransit introducing rabbitPAY - July 21

Rabbittransit is excited to announce a major upgrade, the launch of rabbitPAY, going live July 21, 2026.  rabbitPAY introduces a smart card and mobile based payment system, making boarding faster, more convenient and more flexible than ever before. Riders can simply tap and go when boarding the bus. rabbitPAY will offer multiple smart card reloading options thru the app, online, at a machine or in person. In preparation for the launch, rabbittransit will offer community events to help riders sign up and answer questions. For more information visit www.rabbittransit.org.

KMA Hope on the Fairway- July 31

The KMA Hope on the Fairway Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser providing critical early momentum for the 2026 Walk goals. Open to golfers of all skill levels, it’s a great day on the greens for a meaningful cause. Click here to sign up your team!

 

Energy Industry Jargon: A Beginner’s Guide

July 8, 2026

Energy Industry Jargon: A Beginner’s Guide

Source: World Kinect

The energy industry is going through a period of rapid change. Markets are deregulating, new technologies like battery storage and distributed energy resources are scaling, and sustainability expectations are increasing. With this transformation has come a surge of acronyms and technical terms in contracts, tariffs, and sustainability reports that can feel overwhelming if you are new to the industry. Yet these terms directly affect how much you pay for energy and how you manage risk.

Why energy jargon matters

Energy literacy is becoming a practical business skill, not just a technical one. When decision- makers understand the language of tariffs, capacity tags, renewable energy certificates, and carbon markets, they are better equipped to evaluate proposals, assess risks, and align procurement with broader business objectives.

Misunderstanding the difference between demand and energy charges, for example, can lead to unexpected costs. Confusing a fixed price with an index-based contract can expose your business to price volatility you thought you had avoided.

This guide is designed to make that process easier. It organizes common terminology into five core categories and explains each term in clear, plain language. As you become familiar with the industry, use this glossary as a reference to navigate jargon and make more informed decisions.

 

Commonly confused terms

Many energy and sustainability terms sound similar but have very different implications for cost, risk, and reporting. The pairs below are some of the most commonly confused, and getting them right can make conversations with suppliers and internal stakeholders much more straightforward.

 

  1. kW vs kWh: power vs energy
    • kW (kilowatt) measures power – how much electricity is being used or produced at a specific moment. It reflects the “size” or capacity of equipment, such as a 500 kW solar system or a 1,000 kW (1 MW) generator.
    • kWh (kilowatt-hour) measures energy over time – how much electricity has been used or produced over an hour, day, or month. This is typically how your consumption appears on an electricity bill.

    Why it matters:
    kW is closely linked to demand charges and system sizing; kWh is tied to usage charges and total consumption. Mistaking one for the other can lead to incorrect expectations about project output, savings estimates, and tariff impacts.

  2. Demand charge vs energy charge: paying for peaks vs volume
    • Demand charges are based on your highest kW draw (peak power) during a billing period. They reflect the cost of being ready to serve your maximum load.
    • Energy charges are based on the total kWh consumed over the period. They reflect the cost of the energy you actually use.

    Why it matters:
    Reducing kWh alone may not significantly lower your bill if your peak demand stays high. Understanding this distinction is essential for designing effective load management, shifting processes, or using on-site generation and storage to reduce peaks.

  3. Fixed price vs index (and block & index): price certainty vs market exposure
    • fixed price contract sets a single, agreed price for each kWh over the contract term. It offers budget certainty, but you may miss out on potential market dips.
    • An index contract ties your price to a market benchmark, so your cost moves with wholesale prices. This can provide savings when markets fall, but exposes you to volatility when prices rise.
    • block & index structure combines the two: you fix a portion of your expected load (the “block”) and leave the rest on index. This offers a partial hedge, balancing certainty and flexibility.

    Why it matters:
    Misunderstanding these structures can lead to unexpected cost swings or missed risk management opportunities. It is important to be clear on how much of your load is fixed, how much is floating, and how that aligns with your risk tolerance and budget objectives.

  4. Net-zero vs carbon neutral
    • Net-zero typically refers to emissions reductions across scopes, with any remaining emissions balanced by high-quality removals. It focuses on transforming operations and supply chains over time.
    • Carbon neutral usually means that some or all emissions are balanced with offsets, without specifying the level of internal reduction required beforehand.

    Why it matters:
    These terms are often used interchangeably, but they signal different levels of ambition and action. Being precise helps manage expectations with investors, customers, and employees, and supports credible long-term climate strategies.

  5. RECs/EACs vs carbon offsets
    • RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) and EACs (Energy Attribute Certificates) represent the environmental attributes of renewable electricity generation. Purchasing and retiring them allows organizations to claim consumption of renewable electricity, primarily affecting Scope 2 accounting.
    • Carbon offsets represent emissions reductions or removals achieved by specific projects (such as reforestation or methane capture) that are used to compensate for emissions elsewhere, often in Scope 1 or Scope 3.

    Why it matters:
    Both instruments support climate goals, but they address different parts of your footprint and are accounted for differently. Using the right tool for the right scope is important for accurate reporting and credible sustainability claims.

  6. PPA vs VPPA (virtual PPA)
    • A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is typically a physical contract for electricity: you agree to buy power from a specific renewable project, often with delivery tied to a grid location relevant to your operations.
    • A Virtual PPA (VPPA) is a financial contract rather than a physical supply arrangement. You continue to buy your electricity from your usual supplier, while the VPPA settles the difference between a fixed price and a market price, and you usually receive the associated RECs or EACs.

    Why it matters:
    Both structures can help bring new renewable projects online and support your decarbonization strategy, but they differ in how they affect energy sourcing, price risk, accounting treatment, and operational complexity. Being clear about whether a proposal is a PPA or VPPA helps you align it with your risk policies and internal approval processes.

     

Key energy terms you should know

To navigate the energy market effectively, it’s helpful to understand some key terms:

  • Deregulation refers to the process of allowing competition in energy markets, giving businesses the option to choose their suppliers.
  • Kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures electricity consumption and is commonly used in billing.
  • British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a measure of heat energy used for natural gas pricing.
  • Tariff is the rate structure set by suppliers and utilities for energy service.

 

Core categories of energy jargon

Energy management jargon

kW (Kilowatt)/ MW (Megawatt) (if using only one unit of measurement, then use kW) 
Measures the rate at which electricity is being used or produced at a specific moment.

  • kW = kilowatt = 1,000 watts
  • MW = megawatt = 1,000 kW (or 1 million watts)

kWh (Kilowatt-hour)/ MWh (Megawatt-hour) (if using only one unit of measurement, then use kWh)
Measures the amount of electricity used or produced over time.

  • kWh = using 1 kW for 1 hour
  • MWh = 1,000 kWh

BTU (British Thermal Unit)
A small unit of heat energy, used in natural gas and heating. It’s the amount of energy needed to slightly raise the temperature of water.

Therm
A billing unit for natural gas, equal to 100,000 BTU. Many gas utilities bill consumption in therms.

Dth (Dekatherm)
Another common gas billing unit, equal to 10 therms, or 1,000,000 BTU. Some markets use therms, others use dekatherms; they’re just different ways of counting the same underlying heat energy.

Standard Cubic Foot (SCF)/Ccf/Mcf
These measure the volume of natural gas, not its energy content, although the two are related.

  • SCF (Standard Cubic Foot)
    One cubic foot of gas measured under standard conditions of temperature and pressure (a “normal” reference point).
  • Ccf
    Stands for “hundred cubic feet” (the first “C” is “centum,” Latin for 100).
    1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet of gas.
  • Mcf
    Stands for “thousand cubic feet” (the “M” comes from the Roman numeral for 1,000).
    1 Mcf = 1,000 cubic feet of gas.

Demand
The requirement for energy as an input to provide products and/or services.

Power
The rate of producing, transferring, or using energy, most commonly associated with electricity.
Power is measured in watts and often expressed in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW).

Energy Consumption/Load
The use of energy as a source of heat or power or as a raw material input to a manufacturing process.

Demand Charge
That portion of the consumer's bill for electric service based on the consumer's maximum electric capacity usage and calculated based on the billing demand charges under the applicable rate schedule.

Energy Charge
The portion of the charge for electric service based upon the electric energy (kWh) consumed or billed.

Capacity
The maximum amount of electrical power that a system or facility can produce or deliver at a given time, often used to determine charges based on peak usage demand.

Peak Load Contribution (PLC) /Capacity Tag
A measure of an electricity customer’s specific demand (measured in kilowatts, kW) during the highest demand hours (peak hours) on the electrical grid.

Transmission
One core stage of the electrical grid that delivers electricity from power plants to consumers.
Transmission moves high-voltage electricity from power plants to substations.

Network Service Peak Load (NSPL) /Transmission Tag
A demand-based value assigned to a customer's electricity meter that determines their share of the costs for using a high-voltage transmission grid. The NSPL is typically calculated based on a customer's demand during the highest peak hours of the transmission owner's zone, which can occur during both summer and winter seasons.

Losses / Distribution Network Losses
The difference between the electrical energy entering the distribution network and that exiting the network.

Ancillaries / Ancillary Services
Services that ensure reliability and support the transmission of electricity from generation sites to customer loads. Such services may include load regulation, spinning reserve, non-spinning reserve, replacement reserve, and voltage support.

Coincidental Peak Demand / Load
The sum of two or more peak loads that occur in the same time interval.

On/Off Peak Demand
On-peak and off-peak demand refer to the fluctuation in electricity usage throughout the day, which utility companies use to structure rates, encourage efficiency, and manage strain on the electrical grid. These periods are characterized by when electricity demand is at its highest (on-peak) or lowest (off-peak).

Peak Load
The highest electrical demand within a particular period of time.

Load profile (or usage profile)
A graph or data set illustrating the variation in electricity consumption (measured in kW or kWh) over a specific time, such as a day, week, or season.

Load Factor
The ratio of the average load to peak load during a specified time interval.

Curtailment
The temporary, intentional reduction of power production (generation curtailment) or power consumption (load curtailment) when there is too much electricity in the grid (generation curtailment) or when there is not enough power in the grid (load curtailment). It acts as a necessary safety valve to balance supply and demand and prevent blackouts.

Peak Load Management
The process of reducing energy consumption during periods of peak system load. This can lower costs, enhance grid reliability, and reduce emissions.

Demand response
The actions a business takes when enrolled in an incentive-based program that encourages electric power customers to temporarily reduce their demand for power at certain times in exchange for lower electricity bills.

Energy Efficiency
A ratio of service provided to energy input. Unlike conservation, which involves some reduction of service, energy efficiency provides energy reductions without sacrifice of service. May also refer to the use of technology to reduce the energy needed for a given purpose or service.

 

Sustainability jargon

Net-Zero
Refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases produced with the amount removed from the atmosphere, aiming for a net result of zero emissions.

Carbon Neutral
What a company or organization achieves when the amount of CO2 they have emitted into the atmosphere has been removed or mitigated through carbon offset projects or technologies that capture and store carbon.

Carbon Credits
A way to offset carbon emissions by assigning a monetary value to the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) or its equivalent in other greenhouse gasses that businesses or organizations emit.

Carbon Offsets
Tradable certificates linked to renewable energy, reforestation, agriculture, and community projects which reduce or remove CO2 emissions. A single certificate is equivalent to a reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions. By purchasing a carbon offset, an organization is paying for a reduction in emissions equivalent to the amount it is attempting to offset. The funds raised through carbon offsets is channeled to sustainability projects around the world.

Decarbonization
Refers to lowering the amount of CO2 created from human activity and released into the atmosphere.

Scope 1 Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organization. Examples include: vehicles, equipment, or facilities that use fuel or natural gas.

Scope 2 Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of electricity, heat, or steam, purchased by an organization from generation equipment not owned by the organization. Examples include: purchased electricity, purchased heating/cooling, and purchased steam.

Scope 3 Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions caused indirectly by an organization’s supply chain and vendors related to the organization’s activities. Examples include: transmission and distribution, business travel, supply chain, employee commuting, and contracted solid waste or wastewater.

Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)
A market-based instrument that represents the property rights to the environmental, social, and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. RECs are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy resource.

Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC)
Internationally recognized certificates that prove that electricity has been generated from solar, wind, or another renewable source. They can help businesses reduce Scope 2 emissions and meet sustainability goals.

PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)
A long-term contract (typically 10-15 years) through which a corporate buyer agrees to purchase electricity and Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) physically or virtually from a renewable energy generator.

Virtual PPA (VPPA)
A financial arrangement between a renewable energy generator and a corporate buyer to obtain renewable electricity, along with associated Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs).

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)
Refers to a set of standards used to measure an organization’s environmental and social impact. A framework used to measure a company's sustainability, ethical impact, and operational risk beyond financial performance. It examines three key pillars: Environmental (stewardship of nature), Social (relationship management with employees, customers, etc.), and Governance (leadership and operations).

Sustainability Reporting
The public disclosure of a company's environmental efforts specifically focusing on decarbonization, carbon emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3), resource management, and energy transition strategies.

Compliance Market
A mandatory, government-regulated system (often cap-and-trade) that forces high-emission entities—such as power plants and heavy industries—to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions. These markets set a cap on emissions with stiff penalties for non-compliance.

Voluntary Market
Refers to companies and organizations that choose to offset emissions voluntarily, usually because they are motivated by corporate social responsibility and sustainability goals.

Environmental Attributes
Refers to the characteristics or features of a product, service, or process that have an impact on the environment. They typically include any and all credits, benefits, emissions reductions, offsets, and allowances associated with the generation or production of power or fuel. They are often certified through mechanisms like Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

 

Market jargon

Letter of Authorization (LOA)
A legally binding document between a business and an energy broker that grants permission to access data and act on behalf of the client (non-exclusive). Many suppliers require an LOA before they will release their prices to a broker.

Letter of Exclusivity (LOE)
A legally binding document between a business and an energy broker, consultant, or supplier, granting that specific party the sole (exclusive) right to negotiate or manage the business's energy procurement for a defined period.

Electric Distribution Company (EDC)
The company that owns the power lines and equipment necessary to deliver purchased electricity to the customer. They ensure services are reliable and monitor customer usage via metering systems.

Local Distribution Company (LDC)
Similar to EDC, LDC is the utility company that manages the infrastructure for transporting
energy to a specific geography. However, it is commonly used for natural gas delivery.

Utility Company
A regulated entity responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing energy (typically electricity or natural gas) to the public.

Change in Law
Refers to any amendment, repeal, or adoption of new statutes, regulations, or tax policies by government authorities—at local, state, or federal levels—that substantially alters the economic, regulatory, or legal landscape under which energy companies operate.

Early Termination Fee (ETF)
A financial penalty charged to customers for canceling a fixed-rate, long-term electricity or gas contract before its scheduled expiration.

Slamming
Refers to the illegal, unauthorized, and fraudulent practice of switching a business’s energy supplier (electricity or natural gas) without their informed consent or permission. Typically occurs in deregulated markets via cold calling/phishing or mail scams.

Hedging
The buying and selling of futures contracts so as to protect energy traders from unexpected or adverse price fluctuations.

Forward Curve
A forward curve is a graphical representation showing the market-quoted prices for commodities for delivery at specific future dates. It reflects market expectations of future prices and is constructed using data from futures contracts, swaps, or other derivatives.

Locational Marginal Price (LMP)
The price for electricity that reflects the incremental cost to increase electricity generation to satisfy electricity demand at a specific location—node, load zone, reliability region, or hub. LMPs may have multiple components, such as charges for energy, congestion, transmission system losses, and carbon charges. Both day-ahead and real-time LMPs exist. Real-time LMPs can be set for hourly or sub-hourly blocks. Regional transmission organizations and independent system operators use LMPs to help establish price signals to meet electricity demand.

Day-Ahead Market
Forward markets where electricity quantities and market clearing prices are calculated individually for each hour of the day on the basis of participant bids for energy sales and purchases.

Real-Time Market
An electricity market that determines the price for one-hour periods or less during the day of delivery.

Daily Gas Market
Also known as spot market, a market in which natural gas is bought and sold for immediate or very near-term delivery, usually for a period of 30 days or less. The transaction does not imply a continuing arrangement between the buyer and the seller.

Henry Hub
A pipeline hub on the Louisiana Gulf coast. It is the delivery point for the natural gas futures contract on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX)
One of the world’s largest commodity futures exchanges, facilitating trading in a wide range of commodities, including energy products, precious metals, and agricultural commodities.

Basis
The differential between a spot or “cash” price and the nearest equivalent futures price. Basis is normally quoted as cash minus futures price. A positive number indicates a futures discount; a negative number indicates a futures premium.

Contract Swing
A contract for the purchase of oil, natural gas, or electricity that includes an option to adjust the volume of energy purchased and the price paid within predetermined limits. Also known as “take-and-pay options” or “variable base-load factor contracts,” the contract outlines the least and most energy an option holder can buy (or "take") per day and per month, how much that energy will cost (known as its strike price), and how many times during the month the option holder can change or "swing" the daily quantity of energy purchased.

Burner Tip Pricing
Burner Tip is the final destination where natural gas will be used. A burner tip rate includes an additional, built-in charge to compensate for lost and unaccounted-for gas (LUAF).

City Gate Pricing
City Gate is the physical point where natural gas is delivered to a local utility. City Gate pricing will include a fee to compensate for lost and unaccounted-for gas (LUAF) that happens as it travels through the pipeline.

Nomination
A formal request or schedule that a shipper submits to a pipeline, storage facility, or terminal operator, detailing the volume of product (gas, oil, or electricity) to be transported, stored, or delivered over a given period.

Balancing
Refers to the real-time process Transmission System Operators use to match electricity supply (generation) with demand (consumption) to maintain grid stability and a constant frequency.

Firm Service
Also known as uninterruptible service, it refers to a guaranteed electricity transmission, natural gas pipeline capacity, or fuel supply. It ensures delivery under almost all conditions and is often reserved for high-end users.

Interruptible Service
A contract arrangement where commercial or industrial customers agree to have their electricity or natural gas supply reduced or cut off by the utility during peak demand or supply shortage in exchange for lower, discounted rates.

Fixed Price
The price paid per kilowatt-hour (kWh) stays the same throughout the contract even if market prices increase or decrease.

Index Price
A method of determining the cost of energy based on a specific market index. It typically involves adding supplier charges to the current market index value. Unlike fixed-rate contracts, index pricing allows for real-time adjustments based on market changes.

Block and Index Price
A hybrid energy procurement strategy in which a set portion of energy load is purchased at a fixed price (block), while the remainder fluctuates with the market (index).

Load Following Block and Index Price
A hybrid energy procurement strategy in which a set portion of energy load is purchased at a fixed price and the supplier offers the ability to place hedges based on percentages of expected load (e.g. 25% of January’s load, rather than a 1.5MW block).

Delivery/Distribution Charges
The fees charged by local utility companies (often referred to as Transmission and Distribution Service Providers or TDSPs/TDUs) to transport electricity or natural gas from transmission networks to a home or business. Unlike supply charges, which fluctuate based on the cost of generating power, delivery charges primarily cover the costs of operating and maintaining the physical infrastructure of the power grid.

Energy Charges
A portion of your total charge for electricity service; the total number of kilowatt-hours consumed within the billing cycle times the price you pay per kWh.

Supply Charges
The price of electricity or natural gas offered by a supplier.

Generation Charges
The charge for producing electricity. If you purchase electricity from a supplier, your generation charge will depend on the contract between you and your supplier.

Billed Demand
The peak rate of electricity usage during a specific interval, typically 15–60 minutes, within a billing cycle.

Dual Billing
A method of billing in which one bill is sent by the supplier for the generation of energy, and a separate bill is sent by the EDC for distribution and other charges.

Utility Consolidated Billing (UCB)
In a market with Utility Consolidated Billing (UCB), the utility offers an option to retail suppliers in which it provides, for a fee, a single bill to the customer that includes both the utility’s delivery charges and the retail supplier’s supply charges.

Summary Billing
A service that consolidates multiple, separate utility accounts or service locations into a single monthly invoice with one total amount due and one due date.

Balancing Charges
Financial penalties or costs incurred when the actual amount of electricity produced or consumed by a generator or supplier deviates from their scheduled or forecasted amount.

 

Infrastructure & Technology jargon

Power Grid / Electric Power Grid
A system of synchronized power providers and consumers connected by transmission and distribution lines and operated by one or more control centers. In the continental United States, the electric power grid consists of three systems the Eastern Interconnect, the Western Interconnect, and the Texas Interconnect. In Alaska and Hawaii, several systems encompass areas smaller than the State (e.g., the interconnect serving Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula; individual islands).

Smart Meter
A type of electricity meter that has continuously available, remote, two-way communication and information storage capability. Smart meters record and store electrical usage in 15-minute intervals and communicate that usage back to the local wires company. Unlike traditional electric meters that only measure total consumption, smart meters show when the energy was consumed.

AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)
A system enabling two-way communication between meters and utilities. The system collects, stores, analyses, and presents energy usage data, providing utility companies the ability to monitor electricity, gas, and water usage in real time.

Distributed Energy Resources (DER)
Small-scale, decentralized electricity generation and storage technologies—such as rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles—that work by first delivering energy directly to a facility or community, and then contributing excess energy into the main power grid. They can operate parallel to the utility grid or as stand-alone, off-grid systems.

Microgrid
A localized, small-scale power grid containing distributed energy resources (like solar, storage, or generators) and loads that can operate either connected to the main utility grid or independently. Often used with battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Battery Storage/ Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Devices that enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when the power is needed most, usually during peak demand times.

 

Regulation jargon

Customer Choice Program
A program available in deregulated markets that allows businesses to select their electricity or natural gas supplier instead of buying directly from the local utility.

Competitive Energy Supplier/ Third Party Supplier/ Retail Energy Provider (REP)
A company operating in deregulated energy markets that purchases electricity or natural gas on the wholesale market and sells it directly to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.

Retail Choice
Refers to the ability of consumers to select their electricity suppliers in a competitive market, rather than being limited to a default service provided by a utility.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
An independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil, and electricity. FERC also regulates natural gas and hydropower projects.

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
A not-for-profit, international regulatory authority dedicated to effectively and efficiently reducing risks to the reliability and security of the bulk power system.

Public Utilities Commission / Public Service Commission (PUC / PSC)
A state-level government agency that regulates investor-owned utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, and telecom) to ensure safe, reliable service at reasonable prices.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A federal agency dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.

Independent System Operator / Regional Transmission Organization (ISO/RTO)
An entity that manages the flow of electricity across large regions. They balance supply and demand in real time and ensure grid reliability.

Broker/Energy Broker
Acts as an intermediary between consumers and energy suppliers; they work to find the best rates for their commercial and industrial customers.

Utility Tariff
A published and legally binding document that lists rate schedules and general terms and conditions under which a utility company provides electricity or natural gas to customers.

Utility
A regulated entity responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing energy (typically electricity or natural gas) to the public.

 

Further learning

If you want to explore energy markets, technologies, and policy in more depth, these organizations provide accessible data, analysis, and guidance:

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Independent statistics, forecasts, and explanatory materials on U.S. and international energy.

International Energy Agency (IEA) – Global outlooks, policy analysis, and technology roadmaps across all fuels and regions.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) – Global insights, datasets, and tools focused on renewable energy and the energy transition.

 

Conclusion

Energy will remain a significant and often volatile cost for most organizations. As markets evolve and sustainability expectations grow, the ability to understand energy terminology becomes a source of advantage. When you can distinguish between different contract structures, recognize what drives your capacity and transmission costs, and confidently interpret carbon and renewable energy terms, you are better positioned to control risk, support your sustainability goals, and communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders. This glossary is not meant to turn readers into experts. Instead, it provides a practical foundation you can refer to as you navigate the energy industry. If your organization wants to go a step further, the next move is to apply this knowledge to your own portfolio, examining how your current tariff structure, procurement approach, and sustainability commitments interact. Partnering with experienced energy advisors can help translate jargon into strategy, turning complex terms into concrete actions that support cost control, resilience, and long-term sustainability goals.

 

How World Kinect can help

A good understanding of the U.S. energy market is key to making informed decisions that benefit your bottom line. Whether you're looking to cut costs, improve sustainability, or simply navigate the complexities of the energy landscape, World Kinect is here to help.

The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to World Kinect as a solution for energy management & supply insights. For more information about World Kinect, visit their website at World Kinect Corporation or contact an energy expert.

Building a One-Page Benefit Piece Employees Will Actually Read

July 8, 2026

Building a One-Page Benefit Piece Employees Will Actually Read

 

Employee benefits are only valuable if employees understand them. Yet many organizations rely on long, tedious guides, dense PDFs, or put the information on portals employees rarely open. A well-designed benefits one pager solves this problem by reducing what matters most into a clear, visual, and actionable summary.

The goal of a one-pager is not to explain everything…it’s to spark understanding and engagement. Business leaders can start by answering three questions employees care about most: What do I get? Why does it matter to me? How do I use it? If the one pager doesn’t clearly answer those questions, it’s not doing the job.

Effective one-pagers focus on prioritization, not completeness. Highlight 5-7 core benefits that drive the most value, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and key voluntary benefits. Use plain language, not insurance jargon. For example, “help paying medical bills” is more effective than “high-deductible health plan.”

Design matters just as much as content. Using icons, short headings, and white space helps to guide the eye. Break information into sections like Health, Well-Being, Financial, and Extras. Keep sentences short and scannable. If it takes more than 60 seconds to read, it’s too long.

Finally, include a clear call to action. Tell employees exactly where to go next…a benefits portal, HR contact, or enrollment deadline. A QR code or short link works well.

A strong benefits one-pager becomes a versatile tool: it can support onboarding, open enrollment, recruiting, and leadership communication. Most importantly, it respects employees’ time, and that alone increases the likelihood they’ll actually use the benefits being offered.

The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.

Look Forward to Find the Value of Your Business

July 8, 2026

Look Forward to Find the Value of Your Business

Source: Eric Blocher- McKonly & Asbury

Business valuation is a forward-looking exercise; this is a basic premise of the valuation process for any ownership interest. The income approach to valuation fully embraces this belief because the income approach determines the value of an ownership interest by looking at the future benefits that flow to ownership and discounting those benefits to present value. The discount rate used to determine the present value should recognize the risks associated with their receipt.

The Value of Ownership Interest

The value of an ownership interest in a company should be thought of as an investment, that is, a commitment of dollars today in exchange for future payments which compensate the investor for the time the funds are invested and provide a return on the investment. Not only do the benefits to be received need to be based on future expectations, the investor’s required rate of return (or cost of capital) should also reflect future expectations. Investors will not pay for past performance. One needs to look no further than the public companies that operate in high-growth markets, such as artificial intelligence or software, that trade at triple-digit trailing price/earnings multiples. Pricing in this market reflects forward-looking expectations, not historical pricing.

Pierce v. Commissioner

Pierce v. Commissioner T.C. Memo. 2025-29 (Pierce) is a case which includes the rise of a business making knock off products, marital infidelity, and blackmail, but is generally known for the Tax Court affirming tax-effecting pass-through entities. The case also focuses on the forward-looking nature of the benefits of ownership and addresses the determination of the discount rate used in the valuation of the company. The case involves gifts of stock made by the owners to trusts. The gift tax returns were selected for audit, and a 30-day letter was issued by the IRS noting a deficiency and proposed adjustments to tax. The case went to court to determine the value of the interests for federal gift tax purposes. The tax court stated:

In valuing stock of a closely held corporation, we first consider actual sales of the stock at arm’s length in the normal course of business at or around the time of valuation. In the absence of actual sales of the company’s stock, courts typically consider one or more of three approaches to determine the stock’s fair market value: (1) the market approach, (2) the income approach, and (3) the asset-based approach… The income approach capitalizes income and discounts cashflow to determine the value of stock. This method is premised on the assumption that the value of the company should be determined based on the basis of the present value of the future distributed earnings.

The court reaffirmed the forward-looking premise and use of the income approach, referencing the Estate of True v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2001-167 in support of its opinion. In Pierce the court went on to further state:

Thus, to determine the value of the business, we must determine (1) the projected future cashflows for a discrete period, (2) the discount rate that will be applied to these future distributions to determine the present value, (3) the terminal value of the company, and (4) the non-operating assets.

Case Findings

The court’s opinion discussed factors to consider in the projected future cash flows of the company (including tax affecting pass-through entity earnings) and the inclusion of factors only known and knowable at the date of valuation. The court’s opinion also discussed the development of the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow analysis. There were two primary experts involved in this case which arrived at different discount rates. Looking more closely at the discount rates, the experts were close on how the equity risk premium (ERP) should be determined. The ERP is a component of the discount rate and is the premium that investors must receive to entice them to invest in the public market instead of risk-free long-term government securities. The court stated that the ERP includes a market risk premium and a size premium.

An additional company-specific risk (CSR) premium can be added to account for risks unique to the company and its cash flow. The two experts were within 1% of each other in their development of the ERP but differed in their treatment of the CSR premium; one added a 5% premium, and the other did not add a CSR premium. The court expected an analysis showing that the CSR premium accounted for risks specific to the company that were not accounted for in the ERP. The explanation at trial was not satisfactory to the court and it rejected the CSR premium.

Case Relevance for Business Valuation

In the ruling, the court confirmed two important points. First, business valuation, like any investment, is forward-looking in nature. Investors will not pay for past performance and are concerned with future performance. Using an income approach, the value of a business is derived from forward-looking cash flow. The second point is that the required rate of return of an investment and the discount rate used in the valuation of a company need to account for the specific risks associated with receiving the benefits (cash flows). Both points should be considered in a business valuation.

Should you have any questions concerning this article or the value of your business or of Business Valuation services in general, please contact T. Eric Blocher CPA, ASA, CVA.

S&K Corporate Benefits – New Member Highlight

July 8, 2026

S&K Corporate Benefits – New Member Highlight

S&K Corporate Benefits, featured at www.skcorpbenefits.com, is a company focused on helping organizations navigate the complex world of employee benefits and workplace insurance solutions. By working with businesses to evaluate benefit options and develop strategies that support both employers and employees, S&K Corporate Benefits aims to simplify benefits management while helping clients make informed decisions. In an environment where attracting and retaining talent is increasingly important, firms like S&K Corporate Benefits play a valuable role by providing guidance, personalized service, and expertise designed to align benefit programs with organizational goals and workforce needs.

Member News ~ June 25, 2026

July 2, 2026

Member News ~ June 25, 2026

 

 

Celebrate July 4th in Columbia Montour!

Tips to Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July from SERVEPRO

For Businesses - Before closing for the weekend

  • Check alarm systems
  • Turn off unnecessary electrical equipment
  • Secure outdoor furniture and grills
  • Verify emergency contacts are current

Firework Safety

✔ Attend a professional fireworks show whenever possible.

If you're lighting fireworks at home be sure to

  • Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
  • Never relight a "dud" firework.
  • Keep children and pets a safe distance away.
  • Dispose of fireworks only after they've completely cooled.

Sparkler Safety with Gesinger

Click here for a helpful guide from Geisinger, sharing sparkler safety education for children and families!

The Columbia Montour Visitor's Bureau 4th of July Guide

Not sure what your weekend plans are? Check out the CMVB events calendar for a full rundown of this weekend's special events. Celebrate the 4th of July and America250 in Columbia- Montour!

Sip' N' Stuff America 250 Painting & Live Music - July 2 - 5th

Join Sip' N' Stuff for a weekend of patriotic painting. Check out their website to register for classes.

First Friday in Downtown Bloomsburg- July 3

Be sure to visit downtown Bloomsburg this Friday for food, live music, a scavenger hunt and more! Click Here for Friday's line-up 

Knoebels 100th Anniversary Weekend- July 3 - 5th

Join Knoebels on Friday for a 4pm parade, followed by a founder's statue dedication. The weekend with continue with a 100th Anniversary Ceremony on July 4th at 10:00am, and conclude on July 5th with a Time Capsule, Ribbon Cutting, and Golf Tournament! Don't miss any details for their big weekend!

Light Up Bloomsburg- July 3

Stay downtown a little later and join DBI for the official lighting of the fountain with ITS NEW LIGHTS!!!! They are gathering around the fountain at dusk and the lighting will be at 9pm.

Celebrate the 4th at the Danville Growers’ Market - July 4

Start your Independence Day with a visit to the Danville Growers’ Market on Ferry Street and enjoy a morning of fresh, local goodness and family 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Ferry Street, Danville. FREE Face Painting & Lemonade.

Berwick Borough July 4th Festivities- July 4

Festivities will begin at 2:00 PM at the Berwick Elks with a special procession to the Jackson Mansion, featuring the Bucktails Drum & Fife Band and Berwick’s own Stuart Tank, Lady Lois, traveling along the route.
Once the procession arrives, they will continue one of Berwick’s annual 4th of July traditions on the lawn of the Jackson Mansion with a keynote speaker, followed by music and light refreshments. Then, beginning at approximately 3:00 PM, the celebration will move behind the Jackson Mansion for even more hometown fun.

Nifty 250 Celebration at The Bloomsburg Fairgrounds - July 4

The Bloomsburg Fair is hosting Nifty 250 Celebration on July 4th. This event will be held 3pm-10pm at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. There will be live music, food vendors, craft vendors and more entertainment. The event is free admission and free parking. Click Here To View the Flyer

Knoebels 100th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament - July 5

Grab your clubs and join Knoebels on Sunday, July 5 for their 100th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Knoebels Kares. Whether you're coming solo or bringing your crew, it's a great day of golf for a great cause. The deadline to sign up online is Friday, June 26. More Information.

Wellness Wednesdays continue in downtown Danville - July 15

Free programs designed to promote health, relaxation, and movement for community members of all ages and abilities. Hosted in Canal Park, Wellness Wednesdays are generously sponsored by Geisinger and funded through a grant partnership with the Community Giving Foundation. July 15 | 6:00 PM - Simple Strength Training with Resurrection Movement Studio.

Benton’s 41st Annual Frontier Days Rodeo - July 14 through 19

The Benton Rodeo is proud to be recognized as one of the very best among more than 65 rodeos east of the Mississippi River. Tickets are available online. Grounds open at 4pm, Vendors and food stands open between 4:30 and 5pm. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7:30pm Championship Rodeo | Sunday Bull-A-Rama 7:30 pm

Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment - July 17 through 19

The 2026 Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment will take place at Riverfront Park (aka "The Test Track") at the end of South Eaton Street in Berwick, PA Friday July 17th through Sunday July 19th. Click here for more information 

Rabbittransit introducing rabbitPAY - July 21

Rabbittransit is excited to announce a major upgrade, the launch of rabbitPAY, going live July 21, 2026.  rabbitPAY introduces a smart card and mobile based payment system, making boarding faster, more convenient and more flexible than ever before. Riders can simply tap and go when boarding the bus. rabbitPAY will offer multiple smart card reloading options thru the app, online, at a machine or in person. In preparation for the launch, rabbittransit will offer community events to help riders sign up and answer questions. For more information visit www.rabbittransit.org.

KMA Hope on the Fairway- July 31

The KMA Hope on the Fairway Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser providing critical early momentum for the 2026 Walk goals. Open to golfers of all skill levels, it’s a great day on the greens for a meaningful cause. Click here to sign up your team!

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum announces July events

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum’s July event calendar is out now! The Children’s Museum is hosting a variety of summer camps in July that will focus on science, art, manufacturing and other topics. They will also be hosting youth programs that include cooking, painting and storytelling. These events will be open to a variety of ages. For more information, how to register and the full list of events visit the-childrens-museum.org.

The Central Columbia FFA Chapter of Bloomsburg, PA attended the 97th Pennsylvania FFA State Convention in State College

On June 11th, members participated in various career and leadership development events, workshops, and recognition activities alongside thousands of students statewide. The chapter was represented by several members and advisors Doug Brown and Kristie Good, with Katelyn Fedder earning First Place and becoming State Champion in the Horse Evaluation event, demonstrating strong skills in horse knowledge, judging, and oral reasoning. The convention provided valuable opportunities for students to build technical, leadership, and teamwork skills while engaging with peers, highlighting FFA’s mission to promote personal growth, leadership, and career readiness through agricultural education, with support from sponsors like the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation and Department of Agriculture.

Dwell- New Member Highlight

July 1, 2026

Dwell- New Member Highlight

Meet Dwell, the Columbia Montour Chamber's newest member, 

Dwell- New Member Highlight

Dwell strengthens foster, adoptive, and kinship families by providing practical resources, trauma-informed support, and meaningful community connections so children can thrive in safe, loving homes. Through innovative programs, including the Hope Chest Foster Closet, the Made to Celebrate birthday program, Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Family Support Groups, and Trauma-informed education using the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) model, Dwell equips caregivers while mobilizing churches, volunteers, businesses, and community partners to care for vulnerable children.

Dwell believes every child deserves safety, belonging, and hope. By investing in the families who open their hearts and homes to children from hard places, we help create stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children throughout our region.

Last Week in the Legislature – July 1, 2026

July 1, 2026

Last Week in the Legislature – July 1, 2026

Source: The Sentinel PA Chamber of Commerce

Pennsylvania Legislative Updates

With state budget negotiations reportedly in full swing, the House of Representatives and Senate were in session last week, advancing proposals related to sales taxes, data center and infrastructure regulations, AI, and other areas relevant to business.

Here’s a recap of last week’s legislative action most relevant to employers.

 

Conditioning Sales Tax Exemption (H.B. 2359; Ciresi)

The House Energy Committee voted 23-3 to advance HB 2359.

This bill would condition eligibility for the computer equipment sales tax exemption for data centers on a host of new requirements, including prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to the construction, development, or location of data centers. It would also impose additional certification, disclosure, reporting, and other compliance requirements on qualifying projects.

Developers frequently require confidentiality while evaluating potential sites, negotiating infrastructure needs, and assessing project feasibility, and the use of NDAs during these preliminary discussions is a common and widely accepted practice in economic development projects. Restricting the use of NDAs may discourage companies from engaging with local governments until late in the process and could lead to some projects being directed toward states that might better accommodate confidential business negotiations.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now awaits consideration on the House floor.

 

GRID Requirements (H.B. 2650; Webster)

The House floor voted 134-68 to pass HB 2650 last Wednesday.

The bill would establish the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) program and create a new framework governing the development of data center projects in Pennsylvania. The bill would require qualifying projects to satisfy new certification, reporting, energy, and compliance requirements to access expedited permitting and qualify for the existing sales and use tax exemption for computer equipment.

While the PA Chamber supports efforts to promote responsible data center development and streamline permitting, H.B. 2650 raises concerns by conditioning an existing tax incentive on a host of new requirements. Changing the rules after the exemption has already driven investment creates uncertainty and sends a troubling signal about the predictability of Pennsylvania’s business climate.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now advances to the Senate following its third consideration and final passage in the House.

 

EITC Overhaul (H.B. 2632; Rivera)

The House floor voted 105-97 to pass HB 2632 last Monday.

This bill would terminate the authority to issue tax credits under the existing Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs beginning in FY 2027-28 and would establish a new Education Options Tax Credit program with revised allocations and requirements.

The bill would upend two long-standing programs that have received bipartisan support and helped expand educational opportunities for thousands of Pennsylvania students. By replacing the existing EITC and OSTC programs with a new framework, the bill creates uncertainty and risks reducing access to scholarships and educational options for the students and families who currently benefit from these successful programs.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now advances to the Senate for consideration.

 

Utility Bill Tax Cut and Capping ROE (H.B. 2224; Fiedler)

The House floor voted 202-0 to unanimously pass HB 2224 last Monday.

House Bill 2224 started as legislation that would statutorily cap return on equity (ROE) for all Pennsylvania utility companies, which we warned would discourage energy infrastructure investment in Pennsylvania, reduce employment, and ultimately raise costs on residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.

The legislation was ultimately amended to eliminate the 6.5 percent gross receipts tax that consumers pay on their electric bills.

 

While The PA Chamber supports eliminating taxes on electric bills, the PA Chamber strongly oppose the underlying bill to cap ROE for utility companies and therefore opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now moves to the Senate.

 

PA Common Cents Act (H.B. 2388; Davidson)

The House floor voted 187-15 to pass HB 2388 last Wednesday.

The “Pennsylvania Common Cents Act” is intended to address reduced coin availability and an ongoing penny shortage that is making it increasingly difficult for businesses and other entities to consistently provide exact change. The bill outlines cash rounding guidelines to the nearest nickel in situations where exact change is unavailable due to the national penny shortage.

The bill sets forth clear, balanced rounding guidelines that apply only to cash transactions when exact change cannot be provided. Totals ending in 1¢, 2¢, 6¢, or 7¢ are rounded down to the nearest nickel, while totals ending in 3¢, 4¢, 8¢, or 9¢ are rounded up, ensuring an even-handed, predictable approach over time for both consumers and merchants. These provisions are narrowly tailored, do not apply to electronic payments, and are not used when exact change is available. Importantly, the amendment maintains current tax treatment by requiring all taxes to be calculated prior to rounding and includes reasonable protection for when rounding occurs.

The PA Chamber supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now moves onto the Senate for consideration.

 

Flexible Use of County Bridge Funding (H.B. 2437; Davidson)

The House floor voted 202-0 to unanimously pass HB 2437 last Wednesday.

HB 2437 provides a commonsense update to existing bridge funding, allowing counties to reinvest unused dollars from completed Marcellus Legacy Fund bridge projects into other eligible bridge needs within the county. Under current law, these funds are restricted to a narrow category of at-risk deteriorated bridges, which can leave remaining balances unused once those specific projects are complete. This legislation enables counties to apply overage dollars more broadly across bridge maintenance and repair needs, consistent with federal and state requirements.

This legislation ensures that available resources can be fully utilized to address ongoing infrastructure needs without creating new funding obligations or shifting existing allocations. Providing counties with this flexibility supports more efficient project delivery and helps maintain critical transportation infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Well-maintained bridges are essential to economic activity, supply chain reliability, and access to jobs, markets, and services.

The PA Chamber supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now advances to the Senate.

 

AI Companions (H.B. 2006; Shusterman)

The House Communications and Technology Committee voted 14-12 along party lines to advance HB 2006 last Tuesday.

This legislation would establish a new regulatory framework for AI companions, imposing requirements related to disclosures, age verification, and content controls. The bill would authorize enforcement by the Attorney General and expose companies to significant civil penalties for violations.

Although businesses share the objective of ensuring age-appropriate, safe, and transparent interactions with AI systems, H.B. 2006 takes a more prescriptive approach than comparable laws adopted in other states. Its broad requirements, ambiguous standards, and punitive penalties would add to the growing patchwork of state AI regulations, creating compliance uncertainty and potentially discouraging adoption of AI technologies in Pennsylvania.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now advances to the full House.

 

Reducing Pricing Flexibility (H.B. 2626; Davidson)

The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee voted 18-8 to advance HB 2626 last Tuesday.

H.B. 2626 would prohibit the use of dynamic pricing in brick-and-mortar retail stores under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The bill applies to electronically displayed prices that can be changed remotely in near real time.

Dynamic pricing technologies allow businesses to adjust prices in response to factors such as inventory levels, promotions, and consumer demand, helping retailers manage costs and offer discounts and other programs valued by consumers. The bill would expose retailers to increased litigation and liability risk under Pennsylvania’s consumer protection laws and could discourage the use of these tools, which would result in less pricing flexibility.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now moves onto the House floor for consideration.

 

Paraquat Ban (H.B. 1135; Mihalek)

The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee voted 26-0 to unanimously advance HB 1135 last Tuesday.

H.B. 1135 would prohibit the sale and use of paraquat in Pennsylvania, removing it from use as a federally registered restricted-use herbicide in agricultural production.

Paraquat is a critical, federally regulated tool used by growers for fast, effective weed control that supports conservation tillage and resistance management. A statewide ban would eliminate a key input with limited alternatives, increasing production costs, reducing weed control flexibility, and undermining conservation practices in Pennsylvania agriculture.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation, which now moves onto the full House.

 

Caffeine Disclosure Mandate (H.B. 2377; Dougherty)

The House Consumer Protection Technology and Utilities Committee voted 20-6 to advance HB 2377 last Tuesday.

H.B. 2377 would require beverages containing 80 mg or more of caffeine per serving to carry warning labels when sold in retail and food service establishments in Pennsylvania.

This bill would create inconsistent and burdensome labeling requirements for restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other food retailers, adding complexity without improving consumer understanding. It could also confuse consumers by applying warnings unevenly across similar products and impose additional operational costs on businesses that already provide caffeine disclosure and adhere to federal regulatory standards.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation, which now advances to the full House.

 

Amending Public Utility Commission Standards (H.B. 2184; Otten)

The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee voted 18-8 to advance HB 2184 last Tuesday.

This bill would require the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to explicitly consider “public interest” in its proceedings and decisions.

This legislation is both unnecessary, as PUC practice and approval processes already emphasize the concept of “public interest,” and detrimental, as it would complicate PUC proceedings by forcing the PUC to expand the factors it must consider beyond its intended scope.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation, which now moves to the House floor.

 

Virtual Currency Kiosk Regulatory Structure (H.B. 2643; Ciresi)

The House Commerce Committee voted 16-10 to advance HB 2643 last Monday.

House Bill 2643 would create a regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks (commonly known as cryptocurrency ATMs) in Pennsylvania. It establishes licensing requirements, oversight by the Department of Banking and Securities, and a dedicated fund to support public education on virtual currency use and risks.

Operators of virtual currency kiosks would be required to obtain licenses, meet financial and operational standards, and comply with ongoing reporting, disclosure, and consumer protection requirements.

The PA Chamber supported this legislation, which now advances to the full House.

###

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the PA Chamber of Commerce and an active part of the U.S. Chamber Federation of small and regional chambers, which routinely provides content like the article above. The content above does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice but is for general informational purposes. For accurate, complete advice, readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal, accounting, or other professional advisors before making any decisions based on the information provided.  If you need help finding qualified help, please contact the Chamber for a list of our members.

 

Understanding Rising Health Insurance Costs

June 30, 2026

Understanding Rising Health Insurance Costs

Source: My Benefit Advisor

Guidance to Help Plan with Confidence

Health insurance costs continue to rise nationwide, and small businesses often feel the impact most. These trends are expected to continue, making clear information and dependable support more important than ever.

My Benefit Advisor (MBA) helps employers understand what’s driving premium changes and how they affect their benefit programs. We review your plan regularly, offer cost‑management strategies, and take a proactive approach to benefits management so you can make
informed decisions. Understanding the cause behind premium changes is a key part of that process.

Factors Influencing Overall Premiums

  • More claims and higher medical bills as employees use care more frequently
  • Rising prescription drug prices, including new and specialty medications such as weight‑loss, gene, and cell therapies
  • Higher operating expenses for healthcare providers and insurance carriers
  • Growing demand for behavioral health care, adding to total plan expenses
  • Higher prices for medical supplies and equipment, including potential economic or policy‑related impacts such as tariffs

Supporting Health and Cost-Conscious Decisions

As prescription costs increase, it has become increasingly important for individuals to take a more active role in their health. Many treatments today are medication‑first, creating challenges as plans absorb the costs of high‑priced therapies.

Encouraging employees to have informed conversations with their providers about treatment options, lifestyle changes, and preventive care can support better long‑term outcomes. While medication is essential in many cases, a focus on overall wellbeing may help reduce prescription reliance over time.

How MBA Turns Insight into Action

  • Plan design optimization: Aligns benefits with your budget without sacrificing value or quality
  • Renewal support: Explains cost drivers and trends so decisions are faster and easier
  • Targeted savings: Network, contribution, and funding strategies tailored to your needs
  • Year-round guidance: Performs ongoing reviews to keep your program on track and aligned with business goals

6 Smart Strategies for Finding New Customers for Your Small Business

June 24, 2026

6 Smart Strategies for Finding New Customers for Your Small Business

Source: Jamie Johnson, Contributor CO- by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

Regularly acquiring new customers is essential for any business to continue growing. But with customer acquisition costs rising 60% over the last five years, small businesses need a solution that’s effective and sustainable. Here are steps you can take to find new customers and determine what’s actually working in your business.

Do customer research

You don't just want to look for anyone who's willing to buy from you — you want to find the right customers. The right customers need what your business offers and will buy from you for years.

Customer research involves collecting data about your target market so that you understand them better. You can do this by doing customer interviews, sending out online surveys, or tracking conversations on social media. Once you’ve gathered enough data, you can analyze it to look for patterns and trends.

Analyze your competitors

A competitor analysis helps you understand what's working in your industry and where gaps exist. Periodically review your biggest competitors' products, pricing, and marketing to spot opportunities you might be missing.

Pay attention to how they're positioning themselves online and what their customers say about them. For example, if a significant number of customers complain about the same issue, that could be an opportunity for your business.

Create a customer acquisition plan by channel and budget

Before you spend any time or money, map out a customer acquisition plan that defines how many customers you need to acquire and how you’ll reach them. Most marketing channels fall into one of two categories: organic and paid.

Organic strategies might include search engine optimization, customer referrals, or content marketing, while ads or sponsored posts are paid strategies. Once you know which channels to pursue, you can assign a budget to each channel. Using a basic spreadsheet to track your spending by channel can help you make data-based decisions.

Low-cost ways to get your first 100 customers

If you’re new to business, focus on low-cost outreach first. Start by reaching out to your warm network, since personal referrals convert at a higher rate than cold outreach. Reach out to friends and former colleagues who might benefit from what you're offering.

Don't underestimate in-person networking opportunities either. Industry meetups, local business groups, and trade shows can put you in the same room as potential customers who may be interested in what you’re offering.

And look for online communities where your ideal customers already gather. Answering questions in forums and participating in industry groups helps you build credibility before ever asking for a sale.

Use reviews and referrals

Online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals are among the most effective customer acquisition tools available. Research shows that 93% of customers consult online reviews before making a purchase, and more than 90% trust recommendations from people they know over any form of advertising.

After every purchase, follow up with customers and ask them to leave your business a Google review. To incentivize current customers to refer your business to their friends and family, offer a small perk, like a discount.

Track your customer acquisition cost by channel

Your customer acquisition cost (CAC) is calculated by dividing your total sales and marketing spend by the number of new customers gained in the same period. Ask new customers how they found you and track this data consistently. From there, you can compare your CAC across different channels. You may find that your best long-term customers consistently come from one specific source.

A good customer lifetime value (LTV) to CAC ratio is at least 3-to-1, which means you earn $3 in revenue for every $1 spent to acquire a customer. If you're below that threshold on a given channel, it's a signal to either make changes or reallocate that budget elsewhere.

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

###

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and an active part of the U.S. Chamber Federation of small and regional chambers, which routinely provides content like the article above. The content above does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice but is for general informational purposes. For accurate, complete advice, readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal, accounting, or other professional advisors before making any decisions based on the information provided.  If you need help finding qualified help, please contact the Chamber for a list of our members.

 

Scroll To Top