WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) supported the introduction of the RATES Act by Representative Kevin Mullin, an amendment to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act. This Act will re-establish a fair and clear process for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve energy prices.

“Voters sent a clear message that energy affordability is an important issue for consumers, and the RATES Act supports an effective approach to lowering costs,” said Karim D. Marshall, CFA’s Director of Climate and Energy Policy. “This Act will protect consumers by letting jurisdictions expand the power grid while providing affordable and reliable electricity using a commonsense approach.”

The RATES Act supports a practical and effective power regulatory system. The Act will promote collaboration between regulators and utilities by letting regulators suggest specific, targeted modifications to energy proposals. It also provides energy providers with a defined process. Which creates a clear path for energy utilities and generators to respond to the proposal modifications requested by FERC. This legislation advances FERC’s mission of ensuring “reliable, safe, secure, and economically efficient energy services at a reasonable cost” for consumers. The RATES Act encourages greater consumer protection by giving FERC the authority to help develop proposals that are “just and reasonable.”

CFA enthusiastically supports this amendment to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act and encourages the House to speedily pass this legislation. Jurisdictions should have the best possible options to expand power supply while ensuring electricity remains dependable and affordable for consumers. The RATES Act will streamline the energy proposal review process and provide more protection to consumers from energy rate hikes.