House Energy and Commerce lawmakers from both parties will introduce legislation Thursday to make sure ratepayers don’t foot the bill for data center expansion.
Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) is pitching the “Ratepayer Protection Act” as the panel’s answer to growing political and regulatory concerns about the electricity and infrastructure demands of the artificial intelligence boom.
“Families and small businesses across the country shouldn’t be left to foot the bill for this new development, though the benefits of these innovations will be felt by all of society,” Guthrie said. “The Ratepayer Protection Act is a bipartisan effort which would ensure that the costs of grid upgrades are appropriately paid for according to demand.”
The legislation will be introduced by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) and co-sponsored by Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), ranking member of the Energy Subcommittee.
