FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 23, 2026  

Contact: minority_jecpress@jec.senate.gov 

 

Senator Hassan Launches Investigation into Surging Energy Costs 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, announced a new investigation into surging energy costs. Today she directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent watchdog office, to investigate the extent to which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has evaluated and responded to energy market pressures and the impact FERC’s efforts have had on prices for consumers. FERC is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating interstate energy markets and ensuring that consumers have access to reliable, safe, and efficient energy at a reasonable cost.

“This review will provide critical information to support my work to investigate the root causes of rising energy costs and provide relief for Americans,” wrote Ranking Member Hassan in her request. “FERC has recognized that emergent, rapid growth in demand ‘presents new challenges’… Despite [FERC’s current] efforts, the potential impact of aging power grids and heightened demand requires a deeper review of whether FERC has taken sufficient action to promote just and reasonable rates.” 

As noted in her request, Senator Hassan’s investigation builds on recent Joint Economic Committee - Minority research. Since Trump took office, electricity bills have skyrocketed. One Joint Economic Committee - Minority report found that last year the average annual electric bill increased by about $110, or 6.4 percent, with households in nearly every state paying more for electricity in 2025 than in 2024. In addition, the average New Hampshire family who uses home heating oil paid $205 more to heat their homes this March – following the launch of Trump’s war on Iran – compared to March of last year.

Read the full text of Ranking Member Hassan’s request here. 

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