Bill aims to expand access to power data

WASHINGTON – A bill co-sponsored by Colorado’s senior U.S. senator would make information on electricity prices and consumption available for houses and businesses.

SB 2165, the Access to Consumer Energy Information Act, co-sponsored by Sens. Mark Udall, D-Colo., and Edward Markey, D-Mass., would incentivize states and utilities to adopt policies that ensure that power consumers have timely access to electricity usage information. According to Udall’s office, the proposal builds on and broadens efforts that some states and utilities already have taken to make the data available.

The bill would require the federal Department of Energy to expand access to new state-led efforts at making consumer energy information more easily available. It requires the department to issue model standards for electricity-usage information programs and to assist eligible states in implementing such programs, and amends part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to make additional activities under the existing State Energy Program eligible for Energy Department funding.

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“In order for our nation to be truly energy self-reliant, we must empower consumers to make better use of the energy we already produce,” Udall in in a media statement. “Consumers are a critical part of our national energy strategy. Just as Coloradans use information about gas prices and car mileage to make smart driving decisions, helping families and small businesses access information about their own electricity use will empower them to use energy more efficiently. This common-sense bill will give Colorado families the information they need to save money and make every kilowatt count.”

Udall serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.