Why It Matters
Exelon Corp. faces a perfect storm: federal clean energy tax incentives have been dramatically scaled back, state regulators are blocking utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying costs, and explosive AI data center demand is creating both opportunities and infrastructure investment pressures.
By the Numbers
Exelon Corp. paid D&P Creative Strategies LLC $60,000 in the fourth quarter signaling an effort to navigate a volatile landscape by securing favorable treatment for nuclear operations, positioning itself to benefit from grid modernization investments, and managing federal policy uncertainty around energy subsidies and utility regulation.
The D&P engagement includes four registered lobbyists. Catherine M. Pino and Ingrid M. Duran bring experience from major tech and energy clients including Microsoft and PG&E Corp. Vanessa G. Valdez brings the most relevant congressional experience—serving as a Legislative Correspondent for Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).
The Agenda
Exelon’s lobbying agenda includes the following key legislative concerns:
- Tax Credit Uncertainty: The company is monitoring proposals that could alter clean energy incentives critical to renewable and nuclear investments.
- Grid Modernization and Transmission: Exelon is engaged on legislation like the Integrated Resource Planning Modernization Act (H.R. 5964) and the Electricity Transmission Scorecard Act (H.R. 6176), which would mandate standardized performance reporting on transmission reliability and affordability.
- Utility Operations and Cost Recovery: The company faces pressure from bills like the Ethics in Energy Act (H.R. 4785), which would prohibit utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying expenses and political contributions.
Broader Context
Exelon’s fourth quarter 2025 lobbying engagement occurs amid seismic shifts in federal energy policy. The Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, fundamentally reversed Inflation Reduction Act incentives by terminating solar and wind tax credits while preserving nuclear credits. Simultaneously, utilities requested $29 billion in rate increases in H1 2025 alone—more than double the prior year—driven by infrastructure needs and surging data center demand.
State-level regulatory backlash presents additional challenges. California’s AB 1167 prohibits utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying and political contributions, a model now adopted in seven states. Meanwhile, data center electricity demand surged 80% from 2020 to 2025 and represents 55% of projected electricity demand growth.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively reshaping the energy regulatory landscape in ways that directly impact Exelon’s business model.
Clean Energy Tax Credits Under Fire: While Senator Bill Cassidy has voiced concerns that subsidies should not be a "money grab," Republican support is emerging—GOP Senators like John Hoever have warned against crippling them.
Direct Threats to Business Practices: The Ethics in Energy Act (H.R. 4785) poses a direct challenge by prohibiting utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying expenses, forcing companies to absorb costs directly.
Political Pressure on Rates: Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) criticized Exelon for raising rates while maintaining profits, reflecting broader political pressure on energy costs and corporate responsibility.
The Bottom Line
Exelon is lobbyong to try navigate a volatile federal landscape shaped by the Trump administration’s rollback of clean energy tax credits, record utility rate increases that have triggered political backlash, and explosive growth in data center electricity demand.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article