119th (2025–2027)
S. 5306
This bill amends federal electricity regulation to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider whether utility rates are affordable for consumers when deciding whether those rates are fair and reasonable. Specifically, the legislation requires the Commission to presume that any rate increase of 5 percent or more is unaffordable and therefore not "just and reasonable" under federal law, unless circumstances suggest otherwise. If the Commission determines that a proposed rate would make electricity unaffordable for consumers, it must reject the rate. The bill affects electricity consumers nationwide and the utilities and power companies that set wholesale rates subject to federal regulation. No specific funding or timeline is included in the legislation.