Utility Affordability and Transparency Act

This bill changes the federal emergency power that allows orders requiring power plants to run or to connect during emergencies. It names the Secretary of Energy as the official who issues these orders and requires the Secretary to explain each order, state the hours needed or how they were set, and study lower-cost alternatives before renewing an order. Within 30 days of an order, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must publish a public report on its causes and expected costs, and affected utilities must tell customers in writing about the costs within 60 days. The bill also bars emergency orders that prevent or delay a power plant's retirement or restart a closed plant, unless no other option exists and the regional grid operator asks in writing.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Frank J. Mrvan Democrat sponsor
• 0 cosponsors