US Senate Republicans to Vote on Ratepayer Protection Act Addressing Data Center Electricity Costs
US Senate Republicans are advancing the "Ratepayer Protection Act" to address rising electricity bills linked to data centers, seeking to boost their image before midterm elections. The bill, which already passed the House, would require state utility regulators to consider making large electricity users bear infrastructure costs. Democrats oppose the bill as insufficient, advocating for a stronger, mandatory alternative.
US Senate Republicans plan to vote on the "Ratepayer Protection Act" next week, aiming to address rising electricity bills caused by data centers and improve their standing before the November 3 midterm elections. Senator Jon Husted, who is trailing in Ohio, championed the bill, which requires state utility regulators to consider making large electricity users, including data centers, responsible for the incremental costs of new power infrastructure.
Republicans hope this vote will demonstrate their commitment to voters facing cost-of-living issues, especially given public opposition to data center development, despite President Donald Trump's support for such developments. Democrats, led by Senator Chuck Schumer, criticized Husted's bill as voluntary and insufficient, advocating for their "GRID Savings Act" which would mandate data centers cover full upgrade costs. The Ratepayer Protection Act has already passed the House of Representatives in a 417-3 vote, and a procedural vote is anticipated in the Senate.