To amend the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider the effects of Commission-jurisdictional rates on the affordability of electricity for consumers, and for other purposes.

To amend the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider the effects of Commission-jurisdictional rates on the affordability of electricity for consumers, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

SEC. 2. Consideration of effects of rates on consumer affordability.

“(h) Affordability as a component of just and reasonable rates.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—In making any determination of whether a rate or charge is just and reasonable under this part, the Commission shall—

“(A) consider whether the rate or charge is likely to result in retail electricity prices that are unaffordable for electric consumers (as defined in section 3 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2602)); and

“(B) presume that the rate or charge is likely to result in retail electricity prices that are unaffordable for electric consumers (as so defined) if the Commission determines that the rate or charge is likely to result in an increase in retail electricity prices of 5 percent or more.

“(2) UNAFFORDABLE RATES AND CHARGES PROHIBITED.—If the Commission determines under paragraph (1) that a rate or charge is likely to result in retail electricity prices that are unaffordable for electric consumers (as defined in section 3 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2602)), such rate or charge shall not be considered to be just and reasonable for purposes of this part.”.