U.S. Representative Greg Casar (D), joined by Josh Riley (D-NY), has introduced new legislation aimed at lowering energy costs for Americans by cracking down on what they describe as excessive profits and abusive practices by for-profit utility companies.
The proposed Lowering Utility Bills Act would establish new federal standards to limit how utilities recover costs from consumers, including banning the ability to pass through expenses such as private jet travel, lobbying, and political contributions.
"Your utility bill should not be higher so that a utility company CEO can rent a private jet or make astronomical profits," said Casar. "Utility companies are supposed to charge people a fair rate. Our bill cracks down on their obscene profits to save working families money."
The legislation also seeks to regulate profit margins by directing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish a national standard for a "reasonable" return on equity. Lawmakers argue that current rates allow investor-owned utilities to generate profits well above market expectations, contributing to rising costs for consumers.
According to estimates cited by supporters, the bill could save families an average of $500 annually.
Rep. Riley emphasized the financial strain on households, stating, "Utility executives shouldn't be flying around on private jets while families are making impossible choices between paying their electric bill and buying groceries. That's wrong."
The proposal comes amid growing concern over rising energy costs. Lawmakers note that electricity prices have increased at more than twice the rate of inflation in recent years, with millions of Americans struggling to pay their utility bills. In 2025 alone, utility rates rose for tens of millions of consumers.
The Lowering Utility Bills Act highlights growing political pressure to address rising energy costs and corporate practices in the utility sector. As affordability becomes a top concern for voters, the debate over how to balance consumer protections with industry stability is likely to intensify.
