E–Access Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (6 Feb 2020): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
The E-Access Act (H.R. 5796) would direct the Secretary of Energy to develop model guidelines helping states set standards for consumers' access to their own electric and natural gas usage and billing data. These guidelines would cover how utilities make data available electronically, in near real-time, for at least 13 months, with privacy and security protections, and how consumers can authorize third parties—such as companies offering energy-management tools—to access their data on their behalf. The bill also amends existing energy law to make consumer-data-access and energy-management programs eligible for support under state energy plans.
The bill primarily affects electric and natural gas utilities, state and local regulatory authorities, and consumers, including residential and commercial customers with "advanced meters" that record usage data at least hourly. It also affects third-party companies that develop products or services using consumer energy data, since the bill sets terms for how such companies can obtain consumer consent and access utility data. States that adopt policies certified by the Secretary as meeting the federal guidelines would be eligible for federal financial assistance, with $10 million authorized for each of fiscal years 2021 and 2022.
The bill was introduced in the House on February 6, 2020, by Rep. Peter Welch, with Rep. Matt Cartwright as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning it did not become law and would need to be reintroduced in a later Congress to be considered further.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Access to Consumer Energy Information Act or the E-Access Act
This bill revises federal guidelines for state energy conservation plans.
The bill authorizes state energy conservation plans to include programs that (1) enhance consumer access to, and understanding of, electric energy and natural gas usage and cost information, including consumers' own residential and commercial retail electric energy and natural gas information; and (2) facilitate the development and adoption of innovative products and services to assist consumers in managing energy consumption and expenditures.
The Department of Energy (DOE) must issue guidelines that establish model data sharing standards and policies for states to provide electric and gas consumers with access to retail electric energy information and retail natural gas information. States may submit to DOE a description of their data sharing standards and policies for certification that they meet such guidelines.
DOE must periodically review and revise the guidelines to reflect changes in technology, privacy needs, and the market for electric energy and natural gas and related services.
Timeline
6 Feb 2020
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5796 do?
- The E-Access Act (H.R. 5796) would direct the Secretary of Energy to develop model guidelines helping states set standards for consumers' access to their own electric and natural gas usage and billing data. These guidelines would cover how utilities make data available electronically, in near real-time, for at least 13 months, with privacy and security protections, and how consumers can authorize third parties—such as companies offering energy-management tools—to access their data on their behalf. The bill also amends existing energy law to make consumer-data-access and energy-management programs eligible for support under state energy plans. The bill primarily affects electric and natural gas utilities, state and local regulatory authorities, and consumers, including residential and commercial customers with "advanced meters" that record usage data at least hourly. It also affects third-party companies that develop products or services using consumer energy data, since the bill sets terms for how such companies can obtain consumer consent and access utility data. States that adopt policies certified by the Secretary as meeting the federal guidelines would be eligible for federal financial assistance, with $10 million authorized for each of fiscal years 2021 and 2022. The bill was introduced in the House on February 6, 2020, by Rep. Peter Welch, with Rep. Matt Cartwright as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning it did not become law and would need to be reintroduced in a later Congress to be considered further.
- Has H.R. 5796 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5796. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5796?
- H.R. 5796 was sponsored by Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large] (D-VT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5796?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (6 Feb 2020).
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