Protecting Ratepayers Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (20 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
The "Protecting Ratepayers Act," introduced in the House of Representatives, would require data centers with a power demand of 5 megawatts or more to use power and water supplies that are entirely separate from the public electric grid and water systems. This requirement would apply to both new data centers and existing ones that are already in operation. The bill defines "covered entities" as private companies that own, operate, or plan to own or operate such data centers.
This legislation affects private companies that operate or intend to operate large data centers. For these businesses, the bill mandates that within 180 days of enactment, they must ensure their facilities obtain all energy and water, including backup supplies, from sources independent of public utilities. The bill also states that a specific Presidential proclamation concerning ratepayer protection will have the force of law.
H.R. 9777 is currently in the introduction phase, having been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It was introduced on July 20, 2026. If the bill moves forward, it would need to be considered and passed by the Committee, then by the full House of Representatives, and subsequently by the Senate before it could be sent to the President for signature into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
20 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9777 do?
- The "Protecting Ratepayers Act," introduced in the House of Representatives, would require data centers with a power demand of 5 megawatts or more to use power and water supplies that are entirely separate from the public electric grid and water systems. This requirement would apply to both new data centers and existing ones that are already in operation. The bill defines "covered entities" as private companies that own, operate, or plan to own or operate such data centers. This legislation affects private companies that operate or intend to operate large data centers. For these businesses, the bill mandates that within 180 days of enactment, they must ensure their facilities obtain all energy and water, including backup supplies, from sources independent of public utilities. The bill also states that a specific Presidential proclamation concerning ratepayer protection will have the force of law. H.R. 9777 is currently in the introduction phase, having been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It was introduced on July 20, 2026. If the bill moves forward, it would need to be considered and passed by the Committee, then by the full House of Representatives, and subsequently by the Senate before it could be sent to the President for signature into law.
- Has H.R. 9777 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9777. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9777?
- H.R. 9777 was sponsored by Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19] (R-FL), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9777?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (20 Jul 2026).
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