H.R. 10139
Ratepayer Bill of Rights Act of 2026
Summary:
• The "Ratepayer Bill of Rights Act of 2026" requires public disclosure of electricity and water use, infrastructure costs, rate impacts, and public financial assistance associated with large data centers (those with peak electricity demand of at least 50 megawatts or water withdrawal of at least 100,000 gallons per day).
• The bill establishes ten enumerated rights for ratepayers, including the right not to have data center costs shifted to households, farmers, small businesses, schools, and hospitals through rates, riders, or surcharges, with improper charges refunded with interest within 90 days.
• Enforcement is assigned to FERC, the Department of Energy, the EPA, and the Department of Labor within their existing jurisdictions, while State, Tribal, and local authorities retain their existing jurisdiction and may adopt stronger protections.
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• The bill establishes ten enumerated rights for ratepayers, including the right not to have data center costs shifted to households, farmers, small businesses, schools, and hospitals through rates, riders, or surcharges, with improper charges refunded with interest within 90 days.
• Enforcement is assigned to FERC, the Department of Energy, the EPA, and the Department of Labor within their existing jurisdictions, while State, Tribal, and local authorities retain their existing jurisdiction and may adopt stronger protections.
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