WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) yesterday voted in favor of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation aimed at protecting families and businesses from being saddled with the costs of infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate the rapidly growing energy demands of large data centers.
“It is past time for data centers to pay their fair share. Right now, Virginia families and businesses are unfairly footing the bill for massive infrastructure investments needed to power large data centers. That is unacceptable.” said Vindman. “The Ratepayer Protection Act is about fairness, accountability, and making sure the families can actually afford and predict their monthly utility bills.”
The legislation would require states to consider adopting policies that ensure large data centers help cover the costs of grid upgrades needed to support their power demands. Under the bill, utilities would be required to secure financial assurances or contributions from data centers to cover the costs of necessary upgrades before construction begins.
BACKGROUND
Vindman has been a champion for holding data centers and electric utilities accountable.
In August, he introduced legislation to prevent data center development near neighborhoods, schools, and parks.
Prior to that, Congressman Vindman introduced a bill to cap the number of residential utility rate changes to one rate change annually, limiting how often utilities can change prices for everyday Virginians.
He has also fought against corruption in the energy space by championing a measure that would bar former government officials from lobbying on behalf of the companies they used to regulate.
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