Bills · HR 1149
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1149Energy
POWER Act
INTRO FEB 7· LAST ACTION FEB 7
READING
4MIN
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses a common frustration: sudden or poorly explained increases in electricity bills. Currently, customers might receive minimal notice or unclear reasons when their power company raises rates, making it difficult to budget or understand if the increase is justified. If this bill becomes law, people would have more time to adjust their household budgets before new rates hit, and they would receive clear explanations, empowering them to understand and question the changes.
It also introduces a layer of federal oversight for significant price hikes, where the Department of Energy would publicly review and comment on large rate increases. This could provide an independent assessment of a utility's reasoning and potentially lead to recommendations that benefit consumers, such as suggesting ways to phase in price increases or offer financial aid. Without this bill, the current system of varied state-level notification rules would continue, meaning many consumers might still face short notice and vague explanations for rising electricity costs.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires retail electric utilities to notify affected electric consumers at least 30 days before implementing any rate increase.
This ensures customers have adequate time to prepare for higher bills and understand the changes.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that customer notifications must include the percentage of the rate increase, detailed reasons, impact on average bills, and information on how to provide feedback or complain.
This increases transparency and gives consumers the specific information needed to assess and respond to rate changes.
PROVISION 03
Requires retail electric utilities to notify the Department of Energy (DOE) at least 60 days before implementing a rate increase of 5% or more.
This allows for a federal review and assessment of significant rate increases before they take effect.
PROVISION 04
Directs the DOE to review such notifications, publish a report within 30 days, and offer recommendations on adjustments or mitigation measures for consumers.
This provides an independent analysis of large rate hikes and suggests ways to lessen their impact on consumers.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for retail electric utilities that fail to comply with the consumer notification requirements, also preventing them from implementing the rate increase until compliance.
This creates a clear enforcement mechanism to ensure utilities follow the new rules.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· New Jersey
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
57
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 7
Introduced in House
FEB 7
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1149
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 7, 2025
Last actionFeb 7, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 7, 2025
House BillHR 1149Energy
POWER Act
INTRODUCED FEB 7, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 7, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
