On the recordJanuary 23, 2017
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 587, the Fair RATES Act. This bill would amend the Federal Power Act so that those who are adversely affected by inaction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on utility rate changes will have the right to a rehearing. Under current law, a court challenge to a FERC order may only be brought about petitioning the Commission for a rehearing. But if the panel is deadlocked and no order is issued by FERC on a utility rate increase, affected parties cannot bring an action because there was no final order. Meanwhile, the utility rate increase moves forward without the ability of affected parties to be heard. Under the Fair RATES Act, FERC's inaction on a utility's notice of a rate increase within 60 days will be treated as an order accepting the change. Affected parties will then be able to petition for a rehearing on the utility rate change. This bill will ensure that consumers and other affected parties are able to have their concerns heard by Federal regulators. The Fair RATES Act will hold Federal regulators accountable to ensure utility rate increases are reasonable by increasing transparency in the process. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
