PRIA Logo™
119-hr-1149119th CongressWALLET

POWER Act

Sponsored By: Representative Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

Introduced

Summary

Greater consumer notice and federal review of utility rate hikes. This bill would require retail electric utilities to provide detailed, multi-channel notice 30 days before any rate increase and to notify the Department of Energy 60 days before increases of 5% or more.

Show full summary
  • Families and households: Would receive a clear percentage, a breakdown of why rates are rising, an estimate of how the average bill will change, and ways to give feedback or file complaints before a change.
  • Utilities: Would have to use multiple channels like mail, email, websites, and local media and include detailed justifications. Missing the public-notice rule can bring a civil penalty up to $10,000 and stop the utility from implementing the increase until notice is given.
  • Federal agencies and markets: The Department of Energy would review notifications for increases of 5% or more, publish findings and recommendations within 30 days, propose mitigation like phasing or consumer aid, and monitor post-implementation. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would assess penalties under the public-notice regime after notice and an opportunity for hearing.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Energy Department review for 5 percent rate hikes

Utilities planning electric rate hikes of 5 percent or more would need to notify the Energy Department 60 days in advance. The notice would list the percent increase, cost drivers, consumer impacts, and any planned help or phase-in. Within 30 days, the Department would publish a report with recommendations to reduce harm, including adjustments, phasing, bill help options, and efficiency steps. After the increase, the Department would monitor impacts. This review would make recommendations; it would not set rates.

30-day notice before power rate hikes

Retail electric utilities would need to give customers at least 30 days' notice before raising rates. The notice would show the percent increase, explain why, and show the impact on an average bill. It would tell customers how to share feedback or file a complaint. Utilities would use mail or email, their website, and local media to reach people. FERC could fine up to $10,000 and block the increase until notice is given. These rules would apply to utilities that sell power to end users.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

NJ • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation