DATA Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a new class of "consumer-regulated electric utilities" (CREUs) that would let new, physically islanded local power systems operate outside federal electricity rules. The bill defines CREUs and sets the trigger that returns them to federal oversight if they connect to the wider grid.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Holding companies exempt for CREU ownership
If enacted, the bill would change the Public Utility Holding Company Act subtitle so it does not apply to a holding company solely because it owns or controls a CREU. This would remove PUHCA subtitle rules and related regulatory exposure for companies whose only connection is ownership or control of a CREU. The change would apply as soon as the law takes effect.
Wide Federal exemptions for CREUs
If enacted, the bill would exempt new CREUs that begin operations after the law takes effect from many Federal rules enforced by FERC and the Energy Secretary. Exemptions would include rate, transmission, and reliability regulation and would state CREUs are not public utilities or part of the bulk-power system. CREUs would not have to register with the Electric Reliability Organization or follow reliability standards while islanded. The bill would also say CREUs are not covered by PURPA section 210 and would not have to interconnect with, buy from, or sell to an electric utility under PURPA. If a CREU later connects to the bulk-power system or another transmission or distribution system for primary or backup supply, the CREU would immediately lose the exemption and become fully regulated.
CREUs allowed in public rights-of-way
If enacted, the bill would let CREUs build and operate facilities in existing public rights-of-way. CREUs would have to follow the same permitting, restoration, and public-safety rules that apply to public utilities. Local review of an application would be limited to restoration adequacy and storm-response planning. This could speed some CREU projects but would narrow local approval issues to two specific topics.
New islanded utilities and customers
If enacted, the bill would create a new kind of power provider called a consumer-regulated electric utility (CREU). A CREU would only be allowed if it is set up after the law takes effect and serves new electric loads not previously served. CREUs could build and run generation, storage, wires, and sell power at retail only if the site is physically islanded from other utilities and the main power system. To be eligible, a customer must get service only from CREU-owned facilities and be islanded from all regulated utilities and the bulk-power system.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
AK • R
Cosponsors
Crenshaw
TX • R
Sponsored 4/21/2026
Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4]
UT • R
Sponsored 4/21/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov