State Energy Oversight Act of 2026

This bill would direct the U.S. Secretary of Energy to create a program that gives money and technical help to states to support state utility commissions that regulate electric and natural gas utilities. States could use the money to hire and train commission staff, improve public participation in rate cases, fund independent public advocates and intervenor programs for residential and small business customers, and develop new rate designs and energy affordability programs. States receiving money would have to report each year on how they used it and on utility rates, and the Energy Information Administration would publish a national database of utility rates. The bill authorizes $50 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with 10 percent set aside for technical assistance, training, and fellowships.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Paul Tonko Democrat sponsor
• 0 cosponsors