In Senate Committee·Last action 126 days ago

New off-grid utilities could avoid most federal power rules

Officially: DATA Act of 2026

New, separate power systems could serve new customers without most federal utility rules. They would lose that special status if they connect to the main grid, even for backup power.

Where it stands

Sitting in Energy and Natural Resources

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Creates a new kind of power provider called a Consumer-Regulated Electric Utility, or CREU. It can serve only new electric demand and must stay separate from the main grid and all regulated utilities.
CREUs could make, store, move, deliver, and sell electricity to customers. They could do this only inside their own separate systems.
CREUs would not count as public utilities under the Federal Power Act, the main federal power law. They also would not count as part of the large power grid.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Promotes Economic Growth: Supporters argue that the bill will enable faster power delivery to new industrial projects, fostering economic development and job creation.
Cost Efficiency: By serving only new voluntary customers, these utilities can avoid the costs and risks that might otherwise be passed on to residential ratepayers.
Encourages Innovation: The bill could spur innovation in energy generation and storage technologies, as private entities would be able to develop full systems for non-residential use.

✕Arguments against

Grid Reliability Concerns: Critics worry that islanded utilities could destabilize the interconnected grid, posing risks to national security.
Potential for Higher Costs: Without federal rate regulation, there is a risk that these utilities might overcharge industrial customers.
Lack of Consumer Protections: The absence of federal standards could lead to service quality issues for businesses relying on these utilities.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in Senate

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Senate Committee

Under Senate committee consideration

Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (1/7/2026)

JAN 7

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Senate Floor Vote

Voted on by Senate

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Passed Senate

Approved by Senate

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House Review

Sent to House for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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New off-grid utilities could avoid most federal power rules

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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