HR 2596 United States House · 118th Congress

Stop PG&E Price Gouging During Emergencies Act

This bill prohibits utility companies from charging unfairly high natural gas prices during and for one year after a major disaster declared under federal law. It directly affects utility companies selling natural gas in disaster-affected counties, requiring prices to be reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ensure they aren’t unconscionably excessive or exploitative. Key mechanisms include FTC enforcement (with priority for large companies), civil penalties up to $100 million or 3x profits gained, and state attorneys general can also pursue retail-level violations. The law applies to both wholesale and retail natural gas sales and remains in effect for one year after the disaster declaration ends.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Apr 13, 2023 Last action Apr 21, 2023
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Apr 21, 2023
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security.
lower
Apr 13, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
lower
Apr 13, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Josh Harder
Josh Harder
DDemocratic
CA
9