The 52-0 committee vote reflects bipartisan concern that AI-driven data center growth could raise household electricity bills, though critics say the bill is only a first step and leaves adoption to states.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act on Tuesday in a 52-0 vote, underscoring broad political support for efforts to shield households from electricity costs tied to the rapid expansion of AI-focused data centers. The bill would require states to consider standards under which large data centers, rather than residential customers, pay for new power generation or transmission upgrades driven by their electricity demand, but it would not require states to adopt those standards. Supporters say the measure would help address fears that power-hungry server facilities could push up consumer bills, while critics argue its voluntary structure and narrow focus mean it falls short of addressing wider concerns including water use, pollution and other environmental effects. The bill has also gained a Senate companion from Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio), improving its prospects, though its path into law remains uncertain. The debate comes as local resistance to new data center projects has intensified and a Politico poll released Tuesday showed opposition rising to 41 percent from 28 percent in January, while support fell to 24 percent from 36 percent.