GRID Act
Sponsored By: Senator Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would put residential electricity customers first and sharply limit large data centers' use of the electric grid. It forces new data centers off the grid, creates a certificate system for existing centers, and requires public reporting and labor rules.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Ban on new grid-tied data centers
If enacted, this bill would bar covered entities from building, owning, or running data centers that use grid power. This rule would start 180 days after enactment and covers all energy, including backup power. Construction of on-site power plants for data centers would require a project labor agreement. Anyone who breaks the rule would face civil penalties of at least $1,000,000 per day.
Zero-rate certificates for data centers
If enacted, the bill would create a Zero Rate Effect Certificate program for large private data centers. The Secretary would only issue a certificate after studying whether the center will not raise electrical rates paid by ratepayers. Certificates would last one year and could be renewed. Existing grid-connected centers would need to request a certificate within 10 years to keep using grid power. Covered entities could instead pay Rate Effect Credits or similar offsets to meet requirements.
New disclosure rules for data centers
If enacted, the Secretary would set national disclosure rules not later than 90 days after enactment. Covered entities and utilities would have to report estimated and recent electricity use, property deals, and utility agreements. They would also disclose subsidies, credits, discounts, tax incentives, and any financial ties to utilities. These reports would be public to help reveal whether ratepayers are being subsidized.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
MO • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 2/11/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov