Bill Overview
Title: Making Pipelines Accountable to Consumers and Taxpayers Act
Description: MPACT Act This bill revises the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding rates and charges in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas. Specifically, the bill provides FERC the authority to set refund effective dates by which natural gas companies must pay refunds for changes in rates or charges that are unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory, or preferential.
Sponsors: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by changes in natural gas rates and charges
Estimated Size: 300000000
- The bill gives FERC authority to adjust rates and charges for natural gas transportation, impacting natural gas consumers.
- Natural gas is used domestically and in industrial settings, meaning both individual consumers and businesses will feel the impact.
- Any changes in natural gas prices can affect a wide range of industries, including manufacturing and utilities, thereby affecting jobs and economic activities.
- Consumers who rely on natural gas for heating and cooking will be directly impacted by any price changes.
- The bill also concerns taxpayers, as it involves FERC regulations that might influence public utilities and their infrastructure costs.
Reasoning
- Natural gas consumption is widespread in the U.S., impacting both residential users and commercial industries.
- The policy aims to provide fair pricing, which could have significant financial implications both negative and positive.
- Not everyone will understand the impact immediately, and some will experience only indirect effects.
Simulated Interviews
factory worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often worry about my heating bills during the winter.
- Any money I can save on natural gas is important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
natural gas company manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal intervention could lead to operational challenges.
- Rates need to remain competitive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
software developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Energy efficiency and lower utility costs are very important to me.
- This could be a step towards more responsible energy consumption.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
environmental science professor (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might reduce the carbon footprint of gas usage indirectly by encouraging efficient practices.
- Good regulation can help stabilize the sector.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping the costs of living stable is quite important for me.
- Any savings through refinements seem beneficial to my budget.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
construction worker (Denver, CO)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stable energy prices can help with my job stability, especially during the cold months.
- Unpredictable costs are hard on my budget.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
graduate student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in policies that promote sustainable energy use.
- As long as it doesn't increase my rent, I'm supportive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
small business owner (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Utility bills are a big part of my operational costs.
- I'm hoping this policy could help stabilize certain expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
home maker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any help with energy bills is appreciated with a tight family budget.
- My kids' welfare is always at the front of my mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
energy consultant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These regulatory changes are vital for promoting equitable energy costs.
- FERC's role is crucial for balancing market dynamics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 2: $80000000 (Low: $55000000, High: $105000000)
Year 3: $85000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $110000000)
Year 5: $95000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $125000000)
Year 10: $120000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $150000000)
Year 100: $130000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $160000000)
Key Considerations
- Consumers stand to benefit from potential refunds and fairer pricing models, influencing overall public sentiment.
- Natural gas companies may oppose the act's provisions that could lead to enforced refunds, affecting their profitability.
- Care must be taken to implement efficient refund processes that effectively reach impacted consumers.
- Coordination with state-level regulatory bodies may be necessary to harmonize refund and pricing adjustments.