The Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026 addresses concerns that rapid growth in large energy-consuming facilities, particularly artificial intelligence data centers, is straining the electrical grid and raising electricity costs for consumers. The bill amends federal energy law to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish new rules within one year governing how these large facilities connect to the power grid, including requirements that they pay 100 percent of interconnection and network upgrade costs upfront, demonstrate the ability to reduce power consumption when needed, and secure their own power sources. The legislation prioritizes interconnection applications from facilities that commit to wage standards, apprenticeships, labor agreements, or battery storage systems, while preventing existing power plants from shifting capacity to serve new large loads without replacement generation. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Energy to study large data center electricity demands and their grid impacts, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission required to review recommendations within 180 days and consider implementing changes through new rulemaking. The measures aim to balance technological competitiveness and sustainable energy development with grid reliability and electricity affordability for consumers.