[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 20 (Monday, February 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 FAIR RATEPAYER ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, AND EFFICIENCY STANDARDS 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 6, 2017

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 587, the Fair 
Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards Act 
(Fair RATES Act), which amends the Federal Power Act to permit 
administrative and judicial review of any rate change filed by a public 
utility that takes effect without the approval of the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission (FERC).
  The need for this change became evident in the wake of a New England 
Forward Capacity Market Auction in 2014, which occurred at a time when 
FERC only had 4 Commissioners.
  When the New England Forward Capacity Market Auction issue was 
addressed by FERC, the Commissioners split evenly over the question of 
whether the auction results were just and reasonable.
  Since FERC did not disapprove the auction results, wholesale 
electricity prices in New England increased dramatically.
  So, while rates went up, none of the affected parties could challenge 
the decision or resulting rate increase, and, therefore, no rehearing 
or judicial review was possible.
  H.R. 587 provides those who want to challenge a similar rulings or 
non-decisions by FERC the ability to challenge the decision 
administratively or in the courts.
  The bill ensures that stakeholders have recourse when a non-decision 
by FERC has very real consequences for consumers, producers and others.
  This bill would also improve the process by which FERC votes are 
reconsidered.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 587.

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