USHBC backs House-passed ratepayer protection bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council endorsed House passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act after the chamber approved the bill with bipartisan support on Sept. 17, 2026. The measure is aimed at shielding existing utility customers from costs tied to connecting large data centers and other high-demand users to the grid.

Why it matters: - The Ratepayer Protection Act is designed to shift some of the cost pressure from new large-load power users away from households and small businesses. - The bill comes as electricity prices rise in some communities alongside the data center buildout. - Supporters say the measure could help protect Main Street without slowing AI and data center investment.

What happened: - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Ratepayer Protection Act with bipartisan support. - The United States Hispanic Business Council endorsed the bill after the vote. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, praised House sponsors Rep. Gabe Evans of Colorado, Rep. Kathy Castor of Florida and Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio. - Palomarez said the legislation is meant to address burdens on low- and middle-income families and small business owners.

The details: - The bill would set proposed standards for state utility regulators. - Those standards would aim to protect existing ratepayers from costs tied to connecting new large-load customers that demand 100 megawatts or more. - Data centers are among the large-load customers covered by the proposal. - Palomarez said the bill would let American AI companies keep building the infrastructure they need while keeping costs off taxpayers. - Palomarez said the bill aligns with the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, a voluntary commitment signed by many major technology and utility companies. - USHBC said the pledge covers roughly 80% of the power delivered to Americans. - Palomarez said communities should not lose the jobs and tax revenue that data center projects can generate.

Between the lines: - The USHBC is positioning the bill as a pro-growth, pro-consumer compromise rather than a setback for AI infrastructure. - The endorsement signals support from a business group that says it backs both innovation and lower costs for small businesses. - The bill’s bipartisan House passage suggests ratepayer protection is becoming a cross-party issue as grid costs and data center demand grow.

What's next: - Palomarez said he expects the Senate to act on the bill soon. - The USHBC said it will keep working with Congress and the White House to get the measure signed into law. - The group also said it will continue pushing policies that lower costs, cut red tape and help small businesses compete. - More information on the USHBC’s policy priorities is available in its vision for production, innovation and affordable energy. - More updates are available by following USHBC on X and Javier Palomarez on X. - Membership information is available at ushbc.com/join.