Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026

This legislation, known as the Affordable Electricity Rates Act of 2026, amends the Federal Power Act to introduce a new requirement for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). When FERC determines whether a rate or charge is just and reasonable , it must now explicitly consider the effects of those rates on the affordability of electricity for consumers . Specifically, FERC is mandated to assess if a proposed rate is likely to result in retail electricity prices that are unaffordable for electric consumers. The bill establishes a significant presumption: if a rate or charge is likely to cause an increase in retail electricity prices of 5 percent or more , it shall be presumed to result in unaffordable prices. Any rate determined to be unaffordable under these criteria will not be considered just and reasonable for the purposes of the Federal Power Act.