Senator Heinrich introduces bill to shift grid costs to large data centers

Data Center Infrastructure Regulation·Latest event July 30, 2026

Jul 30

Senator Heinrich introduces bill to shift grid costs to large data centers

Senator Martin Heinrich introduced the GRID Savings Act of 2026. This bill ensures that large energy consumers pay for their own utility infrastructure. The legislation targets new facilities requiring at least 150 megawatts of power. This is enough electricity to support 120,000 homes. By requiring these entities to cover connection costs, the bill aims to prevent residential rate hikes. This proposal joins other efforts to regulate how data centers interact with the public grid. For example, Representative Byron Donalds recently introduced legislation aimed at preventing data centers from increasing water and electricity costs for consumers. Other measures like the FAIR Data Act also seek to shield families from the financial impact of digital infrastructure growth.

S. 5199Power Grid: New Rules for Large Energy UsersRep. Byron Donalds introduced legislation aimed at preventing data centers from increasing water and electricity costs for consumers.

Jun 18

Rep. Evans introduces bipartisan bill to protect families from data center utility costs

Rep. Evans introduced the Ratepayer Protection Act to make data centers pay for their own grid upgrades. This legislation targets facilities consuming at least 100 megawatts of electricity. It prevents electric companies from shifting infrastructure costs onto residential consumers. This proposal joins other measures like the FAIR Data Act and a Senate version of the Ratepayer Protection Act. Rep. Byron Donalds also proposed requiring facilities to use off-grid power and water sources.

H.R. 9340Rep. Evans Introduces Bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to Shield Families from Data Center CostsRep. Byron Donalds introduced legislation aimed at preventing data centers from increasing water and electricity costs for consumers.

Jul 20

Donalds bill mandates off-grid power and water for large data centers

The Protecting Ratepayers Act targets facilities consuming at least 5 megawatts of power. Under this proposal, large data centers must transition to private electricity and water sources. This move aims to shield public utility customers from rising costs. It addresses the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure. The legislation currently sits with a House committee for review. If passed, the off-grid requirements would fundamentally change how technology companies plan new developments. Donalds argues that public grids cannot sustain massive energy demands without penalizing residential users.

H.R. 9777Data Centers: Off-Grid Power and Water RequirementsRep. Byron Donalds introduced legislation aimed at preventing data centers from increasing water and electricity costs for consumers.

Jul 22

Rep. Byron Donalds introduces federal bill to limit data center utility cost increases

Rep. Byron Donalds introduced federal legislation requiring data center operators to mitigate their impact on local water and electricity prices. Donalds argued that protections for ratepayers and the environment must be a prerequisite for any new construction. This proposal mirrors Florida's SB 484, which aims to protect state utilities from industrial strain. The debate over infrastructure costs is emerging as a significant factor in the upcoming midterm elections.

Social post regarding Florida SB 484Social post by Byron Donalds on data center legislationData centers' input into the midterms

Policies

H.R. 9340 and S. 5028 share a title and focus on 100 megawatt thresholds, while S. 5199 and H.R. 9655 set different limits for utility cost protections. H.R. 9777 stands apart by requiring data centers to leave the public grid entirely rather than just paying for upgrades.

S. 5199

Power Grid: New Rules for Large Energy Users

Jul 30

H.R. 9777

Data Centers: Off-Grid Power and Water Requirements

Jul 20

S. 5028

Electric Bills: Making Data Centers Pay for Grid Upgrades

Jul 16

H.R. 9655

Data Centers: Protecting Homeowners from Utility Rate Hikes

Jul 13