New Legislation: The Access to Consumer Energy Information Act Aims to Educate Consumers and Enact Change
Last week, Congressman Peter Welch introduced legislation to make energy and natural gas usage data available to consumers: the Access to Consumer Energy Information Act (“E–Access Act”). “Giving consumers control over their energy data will empower them to lower their energy bills,” said Welch.
The E-Access Act does two things. First, it directs the Department of Energy to establish guidelines for utilities to securely share energy and natural gas data with consumers. Secondly, it allows the State Energy Program to provide grants to increase consumer access to energy use data.
“Access to buildings’ energy data offers insights on how a building uses energy and thus gives contractors and technology companies vital information to help building owners save energy through targeted energy efficiency upgrades,” said Keith Aldridge, President and CEO of the Building Performance Association. “We applaud Rep. Welch for tackling this issue and calling on the Department of Energy to establish best practices and a common set of guidelines for safe and secure energy data access.”
The E-Access Act would support the adoption of best practices and policies to allow building owners to access and share their own electricity and natural gas data, helping advance energy efficiency and innovation to save energy and create cost savings for U.S. citizens and businesses.
Importantly, the E-Access Act does not create any mandates for states, and it allows for input from states and other stakeholders. The Act directs the Secretary to consult with state and local regulatory authorities, other appropriate federal agencies, consumer and privacy advocacy groups, electric and gas utilities, and national and state energy efficiency and contractor organizations before issuing guidelines.
Enhancing access to energy data will drive innovation to reduce energy waste, lower energy bills, and increase our nation’s energy security.
You can take action today by letting Congress know you support the E-Access Act here.