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119-hr-8448119th CongressWALLET

Energy Affordability and Reliability Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a new Office of Energy Affordability inside the Department of Energy to make sure energy transitions consider the costs faced by consumers and businesses. It would review DOE regulations and policies tied to changes in energy sources, check that they include clear short-term and long-term affordability analysis, and provide advice to limit harm to household and operational budgets.

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  • Households and businesses: Would see formal reviews of how proposed DOE rules might change energy bills or operating costs, and whether plans exist to reduce those cost impacts.
  • DOE rulemaking: Any proposed rule or policy tied to an energy transition would get a review from the Office within 30 days. The Office can advise and recommend mitigation strategies but cannot stop rules from being issued.
  • Congress and oversight: The Office would send annual reports to the House Energy and Commerce and Appropriations committees and to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources and Appropriations committees, and the Secretary must report on the Office's effectiveness after five years.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New DOE Office to Review Energy Affordability

If enacted, the Department of Energy would create an Office of Energy Affordability inside DOE's Office of Policy. It must be set up within 180 days. The office would review each proposed DOE regulation or policy that requires, or relates to, a transition between energy types or sources. For each review, it would check whether the proposal analyzes short- and long-term effects on energy affordability and related costs, and whether it includes strategies to avoid or reduce those costs while supporting reliable, cost-effective energy access. The office would finish each review within 30 days after getting notice, provide advice and guidance, and would not be able to block DOE from issuing a rule. It would send annual reports to specified congressional committees and the Secretary would report on the office's effectiveness within five years. The bill defines "energy affordability" as the cost of energy to a consumer relative to their income or operating costs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

NY • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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