WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Gabe Evans today introduced the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, legislation to create a new federal standard that state regulatory entities like Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will have to consider when making policy that focuses on energy reliability, encouraging policies that foster affordability for ratepayers.
"Colorado's overbearing regulations are causing energy bills to skyrocket, with no end in sight. This legislation puts Coloradans first by placing a check on the suffocating regulations that continue to make hardworking families foot the bill for their out-of-touch policies," said Congressman Evans.
The Denver Gazette recently reported that Colorado policymakers are seeking to quickly transition away from fossil-fired energy, which "is failing to protect American consumers, particularly low-income residents, who already contend with soaring inflation, and that the singular focus on alternative energy is short-sighted." This is a good example of why Evans' bill is needed.
Recent polling shows Coloradans pay 24% more for residential electricity than they did in 2021 and energy costs continue to climb by 1.1% per month, and nearly two in three ratepayers said their electric or gas bills have contributed to their financial stress. Millions of Americans are currently struggling to pay utility bills. The poll also revealed:
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62% of Americans said their electricity or gas bill has increased compared to a year ago and 73% are concerned these bills will increase this year.
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One in three said electricity or gas bills stayed the same compared to a year ago. Just 3% indicated these bills decreased.
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Those in households that make under $50,000 a year (81%), those living in the West (77%), and Hispanic respondents (78%) are the most worried about rising electricity or gas bills.
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Less than half said their state government does a good job of protecting their interests when it comes to regulating local electric or gas utilities.
Background:
The State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act would establish a new federal standard that each state utility regulatory authority (like CPUC) would have to consider and make a determination concerning whether or not it is appropriate to implement such standard. The new federal standard that this bill establishes centers around reliability and baseload and dispatchable power, which improve affordability. It would then require the state utility regulatory authority to hold hearings for consideration of the new standard, giving stakeholders the chance to offer feedback.
