PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 26, 1999
Electric Energy Empowerment Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Power Act (FPA) to empower the States to order electric utilities within their jurisdiction to provide nondiscriminatory open access through functionally unbundled transmission and local distribution services to retail customers within their borders (retail wheeling). Prescribes implementation guidelines.(Sec. 4) Encourages creation of Independent Transmission System Operators to ensure that all sellers and buyers of electricity in the United States have access to nondiscriminatory transmission services.(Sec. 5) Redefines "public utility" to include electric utility or Federal power marketing agencies not otherwise subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction (FERC), (thereby subjecting such entities to FERC open access rules).(Sec. 6) Rescinds the requirement that new electric utility contracts or obligations for the purchase or sale of electric energy or capacity be conducted pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).Directs FERC to promulgate and enforce regulations to assure recovery by electric utilities of all costs associated with purchases of electric energy or capacity pursuant to PURPA prescriptions.Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.(Sec. 7) Mandates Federal and State access to such holding company records as FERC and State commissions deem relevant to costs incurred by such entities, and as appropriate for the protection of consumers with respect to rates. Repeals FPA conflict of jurisdiction prescriptions.(Sec. 8) Grants the consent of Congress for the formation and operation of the Electric Reliability Council (ERC), a body composed of all electricity industry participants, to: (1) provide the best technical electricity industry advice and recommendations to FERC; and (2) submit an annual status report to the President, Congress, and to FERC on the Nation's electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems.Retains State regulatory authority regarding the safety and reliability of electric utility or local distribution company facilities.
People & committees
Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] · R–FL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2309-2310)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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