Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 May 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
What this bill does
S. 4559, the Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026, would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish rules for how large electricity users, defined as facilities with a peak demand exceeding 50 megawatts, connect to the national transmission system. These rules would cover the costs of studies, network upgrades, and reliability standards. The bill also outlines requirements for these facilities to demonstrate demand flexibility, the ability to reduce or shift their electricity use.
The bill affects large electricity consumers, such as data centers and manufacturing facilities, by potentially altering how they pay for interconnection studies and necessary grid upgrades. It also impacts transmission providers, who would need to develop new procedures for managing these connections. The legislation addresses concerns that increased demand from these facilities could strain the grid and raise electricity prices for all consumers.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on May 18, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. If passed by the Senate and then the House of Representatives, it would go to the President for signature. The bill mandates that FERC issue final rules within specific timeframes after enactment.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
18 May 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Common questions
- What does S. 4559 do?
- S. 4559, the Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026, would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish rules for how large electricity users, defined as facilities with a peak demand exceeding 50 megawatts, connect to the national transmission system. These rules would cover the costs of studies, network upgrades, and reliability standards. The bill also outlines requirements for these facilities to demonstrate demand flexibility, the ability to reduce or shift their electricity use. The bill affects large electricity consumers, such as data centers and manufacturing facilities, by potentially altering how they pay for interconnection studies and necessary grid upgrades. It also impacts transmission providers, who would need to develop new procedures for managing these connections. The legislation addresses concerns that increased demand from these facilities could strain the grid and raise electricity prices for all consumers. This bill was introduced in the Senate on May 18, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. If passed by the Senate and then the House of Representatives, it would go to the President for signature. The bill mandates that FERC issue final rules within specific timeframes after enactment.
- Has S. 4559 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4559. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4559?
- S. 4559 was sponsored by Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA] (D-CA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 4559?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (18 May 2026).
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