Bill · H.R. 7729· House(119-HR-7729)
SURGE Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/26/2026
- Last activity
- 2/26/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Sean Casten
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The SURGE Act of 2026 aims to amend the Federal Power Act to improve electric grid efficiency. It requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish a shared savings framework for certain transmitting utilities. This framework allows utilities to recover a portion of verified cost savings resulting from qualifying actions. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to provide guidance to State regulatory authorities for utilities not under Federal jurisdiction. Additionally, a grant program will be established to support State regulatory authorities in developing these frameworks. Finally, the Secretary is required to conduct studies on the effects of various rate treatments and alternative frameworks.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+3
The bill incentivizes grid efficiency and the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies which can reduce emissions.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
By incentivizing grid efficiency and cost savings, the bill aims to lower electricity costs for consumers.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+2
The bill aims to reduce consumer costs through improved transmission efficiency.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Incentivizing Efficiency and Cost Reductions: The bill amends the Federal Power Act to include rules for improving efficiency and operational improvements for transmission, which is intended to incentivize improvements that increase the efficiency of electric energy transmission and reduce costs for consumers (Section 2).
-
Cost Savings Recovery: Under the shared savings framework, a covered transmitting utility may recover a portion of verified cost savings resulting from a qualifying action (Section 3(a)).
-
Support for State Regulatory Authorities: The Secretary of Energy will develop guidance to help State regulatory authorities establish frameworks so that electric utilities can recover a portion of verified cost savings (Section 4(a)).
-
Financial Assistance for State Frameworks: A grant program will be established to help State regulatory authorities develop, implement, and oversee these cost-savings frameworks (Section 5(a)).
-
Information on Grid Inefficiencies: The Secretary is required to conduct studies on inefficiencies in the electric power sector and publish reports that include recommendations to align rate treatments with goals like lowering costs for customers (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Potential for Excess Recoveries: If a utility identifies an excess amount in its reported cost savings, the Commission must credit the difference back to ratepayers through a rate adjustment (Section 3(e)(3)).
-
Requirement for Independent Verification: To ensure the accuracy of cost savings, the bill requires that the contents of initial filings and annual reports be verified by an independent evaluator (Section 3(c)(6) and Section 3(d)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Middle Class Households+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+3Improves Roads And Bridges+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+1
- 2/26/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House