Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2023

The Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2023 strengthens enforcement against energy market violations by giving federal regulators new authority to prohibit companies from trading electricity or natural gas. It directly affects energy companies that violate rules on price reporting or market practices, such as submitting false data about natural gas prices or engaging in prohibited transactions. Key provisions allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to block violators from buying, selling, or trading electricity, natural gas, or related services - temporarily or permanently - after violations of specific sections (e.g., sections 221/222 for electricity, sections 4A/4B for natural gas). The bill focuses on preventing market manipulation by imposing direct consequences for false reporting or prohibited conduct, without changing consumer protections or pricing structures.