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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 9340· 119th Congress

Bill limits how much utilities can charge customers

Ratepayer Protection Act

Sponsor
Gabe Evans (R-CO)
Introduced
Jun 18, 2026
Last Action
Jul 21, 2026
Passage
62%
Introduced
Jun 18, 2026
Committee
Jul 21, 2026
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Imposes new restrictions on electricity and natural gas rate increases that utility companies can pass to consumers.
  • Likely requires utilities to justify rate hikes to regulators before implementation.
  • Detailed provisions pending — official summary not yet published by Congressional Research Service.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Consumers benefit from potential protection against steep utility bill increases and mandatory regulatory review.
  • Utility companies face stricter constraints on revenue growth and must meet higher approval standards.
  • The tradeoff: stricter caps may discourage utility infrastructure investment unless bill includes allowances for grid modernization.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill passed committee unanimously (52-0) on July 21 and heads to full House floor for a vote.
  • Next: House floor debate and vote, then Senate consideration if it passes.
  • Contact your representative to share your position on utility rate regulation before the House votes.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 21, 2026Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 0.
  • Jul 21, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Jul 20, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Jun 24, 2026Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
  • Jun 24, 2026Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Jun 18, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
  • Jun 18, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Jun 18, 2026Introduced in House