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119-s-3926119th CongressWALLET

E-Access Act

Sponsored By: Senator Welch, Peter [D-VT]

Introduced

Summary

Expands consumer access to utility energy and gas usage data by creating federal model rules for data sharing, privacy, and third-party access to spur apps and smarter energy use. It would also set state certification and support mechanisms and require a report on using meter data in wholesale market settlements.

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  • Households and consumers would gain standardized, privacy-protected access to retail electric and natural gas usage and cost information so they can use third-party apps to manage energy and bills.
  • State energy offices could seek federal certification that their rules meet the model guidelines and be eligible for technical and grant-like support, backed by a $10 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026.
  • Utilities, developers, and market operators would follow jointly issued model data-sharing guidelines due within 180 days that specify formats, consent, security, and use Green Button Connect My Data as the exchange standard, and a required one-year report would analyze sending meter data to wholesale markets for settlement.

*Would authorize $10 million for FY2026 to support state implementation, increasing federal spending by $10 million.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

National rules for utility data

This bill would require the Energy Department and FERC to issue joint national rules within 180 days for sharing electric and gas customer data. The rules would require machine-readable access at no extra charge, at least 24 months of history, and near-real-time data where practicable. They would set privacy and security protections, expect 99% system availability, require independent certification to standards like Green Button Connect My Data, and require utility reporting on authorization and onboarding performance. The Secretary would review and update the guidelines every three years.

More competition for energy apps

This bill would add a new federal program to promote competition in digital energy management tools. The program would aim to give consumers access to their residential and commercial electric and gas usage data and to support apps and services that help manage energy use and bills. It would also seek to increase measured, performance-based energy efficiency and demand response programs. The provision sets program goals and authorities but does not itself provide direct cash payments to households.

Grants to states for energy data

This bill would let State energy offices seek certification that their consumer data access policies meet the national guidelines. States the Secretary certifies would be eligible for federal assistance to implement consumer energy information programs. The bill would authorize $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to remain available until expended, but assistance would depend on future appropriations.

Study on meter data settlement

This bill would require the Energy Department and FERC to jointly report within one year on the costs and benefits of sending customer meter data to wholesale electricity markets for settlement. The report would count customers with advanced metering, estimate customers and megawatts lacking meter-data settlement, include regional case studies, and estimate costs to reprogram meters and for market operators and utilities. It would also analyze potential anticompetitive harms and taxpayer or ratepayer spending tied to current metering practices.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Welch, Peter [D-VT]

VT • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 2/26/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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