H.R.1412 - Know Your Rates Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1412, the "Know Your Rates Act," aims to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The bill seeks to establish additional federal standards requiring electric and gas utilities to provide consumers with more detailed information regarding their energy consumption. This includes data on billing amounts, average monthly consumption, and notifications of excess consumption.
Expected Effects
The bill would likely lead to increased transparency in utility billing practices. Consumers would receive more frequent and detailed information about their energy usage. This could empower them to make more informed decisions about their energy consumption habits.
Potential Benefits
- Increased consumer awareness of energy consumption patterns.
- Potential for reduced energy consumption through informed decision-making.
- Greater transparency in utility billing practices.
- Ability for consumers to set personalized consumption thresholds and receive notifications.
- Enhanced ability to budget and manage energy expenses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative costs for utilities, which could be passed on to consumers.
- Possible confusion or information overload for some consumers due to the increased data.
- The definition of "covered electric utility" and "covered gas utility" is limited to those receiving federal funding, potentially excluding some utilities.
- The effectiveness of the notifications depends on consumer engagement and understanding.
- The bill does not address the underlying cost of energy, only the information provided about it.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to provide consumers with information that could improve their financial well-being and promote responsible energy consumption. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes the regulation of energy utilities. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).