Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2026

The Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) ability to combat market manipulation in both electric and natural gas sectors. Under amendments to the Federal Power Act, FERC gains explicit authority to prohibit or suspend, either permanently or for a specified period, any person found to have violated sections related to market manipulation or false statements. This prohibition can prevent them from engaging in the business of purchasing or selling electric energy, electric energy products (including financial transmission rights), or transmission services under FERC's jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the bill amends the Natural Gas Act by creating a new prohibition against willfully and knowingly reporting false information to federal or private price-reporting agencies with intent to fraudulently affect data related to natural gas transportation or sales. Correspondingly, FERC is granted the power to prohibit or suspend individuals or entities who violate these natural gas market rules from participating in the business of purchasing or selling natural gas or transmission services. These changes provide FERC with more robust tools to ensure fair and transparent energy markets.