DATA Act of 2026

This bill creates a new category called a consumer-regulated electric utility (CREU): an electric system set up after the law passes to serve only new customers, which is not connected to the main power grid or any other utility. A CREU would be exempt from federal power regulation, including rate rules, reliability standards, interconnection requirements, and merger approval, and would not have to register with the grid reliability organization. If a CREU connects to the grid or another utility system for main or backup power, it would lose this status and become subject to federal rules. The bill also exempts CREUs from certain federal laws on utility power purchases and utility holding companies. It allows CREUs to build facilities in existing public rights-of-way, with permit review limited to road restoration and storm-response planning.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Nicholas J. Begich III Republican sponsor
• 2 cosponsors