The gist

Makes data centers and other big electricity users (100+ megawatts) pay the full cost of grid upgrades they require, instead of spreading costs to regular ratepayers.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: residential electric customers, small businesses, state ratepayer advocates worried about rising bills from AI data center growth.
• Loses: data center operators, crypto miners, large industrial facilities, tech companies expanding AI infrastructure.

What it does

• Defines 'large-load customer' as any non-residential site drawing 100+ megawatts of peak demand.
• Requires utilities to charge those customers the full incremental cost of generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades.
• Gives states 2 years to adopt the standard under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA).
• Withholds 100% of federal highway funds from states that fail to comply.

Why should I care?

Data centers powering AI and cloud services are exploding in number, and electric bills are rising nationwide. Supporters say Big Tech should pay for the grid it needs, not shift costs to families. Critics argue the highway-funding penalty is heavy-handed federal overreach and could slow US tech competitiveness. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.