SCHNEIDER VOTES FOR BIPARTISAN RATEPAYER PROTECTION ACT TO PROTECT AGAINST ENERGY COST SPIKES CAUSED BY DATA CENTERS

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) voted for the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act. This bill would require state utility regulators to establish rules to ensure communities do not pay for the costs of building new power generation, transmission lines, and other upgrades to serve large-load customers, such as data centers. In 2025, energy costs for Illinois residents jumped by 15% or approximately $200. 
 

“Everywhere families look, costs are rising,” said Schneider. “From groceries to gas to housing, health care to utilities, it’s getting more and more difficult for Americans to make ends meet. Every day I hear directly from constituents in my District who are concerned about the high cost of living and need relief now. Yesterday’s vote will help address the impact large-load customers like data centers will continue to have on our electric grid and ultimately Illinois residents’ wallets. This is an important first step, but there is much more we must do. I will continue working to ensure data centers do not result in higher utility rates for customers and protect the communities in which they operate. The American people are depending on Congress to come to the table with solutions. There’s no time to waste.”