No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes a program under which the Secretary provides financial and technical assistance to States to support state utility commissions in regulating safe, reliable electric and natural gas service at just and reasonable rates. Assistance may fund improved commission data analysis and staffing, public education and participation in rate cases, independent public advocates for residential and small business customers, intervenor funding programs, alternative rate designs including percentage-of-income payment and performance-based structures, and coordination of bill assistance and weatherization programs. The Secretary allocates funds by formula with each State receiving at least 1 percent, subject to maintenance of effort and annual reporting.