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U.S. House Passes Data Center Ratepayer Bill in 417-3 Vote

Published Sep 17, 2026, 4:58 AM · 2 hours ago

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of lawmakers gathered across the U.S. House chamber floor and rostrum beneath the American flag, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

The U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act 417-3 under suspension of the rules. H.R. 9340 would direct state public-utility commissions to consider standards requiring data centers using more than 100 megawatts to cover the full incremental infrastructure costs of serving their electricity demand. The proposal works through Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, leaving rate regulation with the states. The House Energy and Commerce Committee said 24 states already use comparable approaches. The measure still requires Senate passage and presidential approval before becoming law.

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