# Mullin Introduces Federal Utility Rate Bill

On November 12, 2026, Rep. Kevin Mullin introduced the RATES Act, which would authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to propose changes to utility rate filings it considers unreasonable and give utilities a defined period to accept the changes or withdraw their filings. The proposal concerns federal utility rate review and energy affordability; the signal identifies no solicitation, contract award, funding, or immediate procurement opportunity. For procurement professionals, its relevance is potential changes to the regulatory context for federal utility costs, not a current purchasing action.

- Federal energy buyers and utility rate analysts can distinguish the proposed process from current requirements; the bill is not described as enacted.
- Companies providing utility services should assess the proposal’s potential relevance to rate filings if it advances, while recognizing that the signal specifies no implementation timeline.
- Procurement teams can track the bill’s legislative status as pending legislation; no contract action or bid opportunity is identified.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** November 12, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

### Key Quotes
> We need to make sure federal regulators have the tools to push back on unreasonable costs and put ratepayers first.
> — Kevin Mullin, U.S. Representative

> The RATES Act takes an important first step toward leveling the playing field by protecting federal regulators’ ability to do their jobs, and making clear they’re expected to push back when utilities’ requests are unreasonable.
> — Marissa Paslick Gillett, Senior Fellow, American Economic Liberties Project

### Sources
- [Rep. Mullin Introduces Bill to Streamline Federal Utility Rate Setting, Lowering Consumer Costs - Congressman Kevin Mullin](https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/11/12/rep-mullin-introduces-bill-to-streamline-federal-utility-rate-setting-lowering-consumer-costs/) - Mullin