H.R.1149 - Protecting Our Wallets from Excessive Rates Act; POWER Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1149, the POWER Act, aims to protect consumers from excessive electric rate increases. It mandates that retail electric utilities provide advance notification to consumers and the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding planned rate hikes. The bill also outlines specific content requirements for these notifications, including justifications for the increases and potential impacts on consumers.
Expected Effects
The bill's likely effect is increased transparency and accountability for retail electric utilities. Consumers would receive more information about rate increases, allowing them to provide feedback and potentially influence decisions. The DOE's review and monitoring role could lead to mitigation measures and improved utility efficiency.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in utility rate-setting processes.
- Empowered consumers with information to make informed decisions.
- Potential for reduced rate increases through DOE review and recommendations.
- Improved utility efficiency and cost management.
- Financial aid options for consumers facing hardship due to rate increases.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden for retail electric utilities.
- Potential for delays in implementing necessary rate increases.
- Costs associated with notification requirements could be passed on to consumers.
- The effectiveness of DOE review depends on its resources and expertise.
- Possible legal challenges from utilities regarding the scope of federal oversight.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Electric utilities often operate across state lines, making them subject to federal regulation. The notification requirements do not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).