Mullin drafts House bill to promote competition, improve access in digital energy management

U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin has drafted a new bill in the House targeting increased competition and broader consumer access to digital energy management resources, according to the U.S. Congress.

The legislation, H.R.7741, was presented on Feb. 26, 2026, during the 119th Congress’ regular session. Below is our summary, referencing the official legislative text, and including interpretation for greater clarity on specific provisions.

This measure would bolster competition in digital energy management tools while increasing consumer access to electric and natural gas data. It would direct the establishment of guidelines for data sharing among utilities, consumers and designated third parties, requiring details on usage and costs to be available electronically in a machine-readable format. Safeguarding consumer privacy and reinforcing data security are central priorities, all while supporting the creation of innovative energy management services. The bill also calls for a comprehensive report assessing the use of individual meter data for determining wholesale market prices, considering impacts on access, reliability and consumer choice. Funding for implementation is authorized for fiscal year 2026, with required triennial updates to these guidelines.

Rep. Kevin Mullin (Democrat-CA-15th District) introduced the bill along with co-sponsor Rep. Mike Levin (Democrat-CA-49th District).

Rep. Mullin has sponsored 21 other bills so far in the current session.

A companion measure, S.3926, was introduced in the Senate on the same day. Congressional filings list it as an identical counterpart to H.R.7741.

Bills may originate in either the House or Senate, except for those related to revenue, which are required to begin in the House. Once introduced, bills move through committee review, hearings, potential amendments and debate before coming up for a vote in each chamber. Laws must clear both chambers in identical form and then go to the president for approval or veto. Congress operates in two-year numbered terms, with each split into two annual sessions. The official legislative process and records are maintained by Congress and released at Congress.gov.

Kevin Mullin is a California Representative with a track record in public service, including membership in the State Assembly from 2012 to 2022, where he was speaker pro tempore from 2014 to 2022. He previously served on the South San Francisco City Council (2007-2012), was mayor (2010-2011) and a commissioner on the California Metropolitan Transportation Commission (2011-2012) before election to Congress in 2023.

His educational background includes a 1988 diploma from Junipero Serra High School, a B.A. from the University of San Francisco in 1992, and a master’s in public administration from San Francisco State University in 1998.

Information for this story came from the U.S. Congress. Access the source document here.