# § 2622. Obligations to consider and determine
**(a)** **Request for consideration and determination** Each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility may undertake the consideration and make the determination referred to in section 2621 of this title with respect to any standard established by section 2621(d) of this title in any proceeding respecting the rates of the electric utility. Any participant or intervenor (including an intervenor referred to in section 2631 of this title) in such a proceeding may request, and shall obtain, such consideration and determination in such proceeding. In undertaking such consideration and making such determination in any such proceeding with respect to the application to any electric utility of any standard established by section 2621(d) of this title, a State regulatory authority (with respect to an electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) or nonregulated electric utility may take into account in such proceeding—
**(1)** any appropriate prior determination with respect to such standard—
**(A)** which is made in a proceeding which takes place after November 9, 1978, or
**(B)** which was made before such date (or is made in a proceeding pending on such date) and complies, as provided in section 2634 of this title, with the requirements of this chapter; and
**(2)** the evidence upon which such prior determination was based (if such evidence is referenced in such proceeding).
**(b)** **Time limitations**
**(1)** Not later than 2 years after November 9, 1978 (or after October 24, 1992, in the case of standards under paragraphs (7), (8), and (9) of section 2621(d) of this title), each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility shall commence the consideration referred to in section 2621 of this title, or set a hearing date for such consideration, with respect to each standard established by section 2621(d) of this title.
**(2)** Not later than three years after November 9, 1978 (or after October 24, 1992, in the case of standards under paragraphs (7), (8), and (9) of section 2621(d) of this title), each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility, shall complete the consideration, and shall make the determination, referred to in section 2621 of this title with respect to each standard established by section 2621(d) of this title.
**(3)**
**(A)** Not later than 2 years after August 8, 2005, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility shall commence the consideration referred to in section 2621 of this title, or set a hearing date for such consideration, with respect to each standard established by paragraphs (11) through (13) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(B)** Not later than 3 years after August 8, 2005, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility, shall complete the consideration, and shall make the determination, referred to in section 2621 of this title with respect to each standard established by paragraphs (11) through (13) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(4)**
**(A)** Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility shall commence the consideration referred to in section 2621 of this title, or set a hearing date for such consideration, with respect to the standard established by paragraph (14) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(B)** Not later than 2 years after August 8, 2005, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility, shall complete the consideration, and shall make the determination, referred to in section 2621 of this title with respect to the standard established by paragraph (14) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(5)**
**(A)** Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated utility shall commence the consideration referred to in section 2621 of this title, or set a hearing date for consideration, with respect to the standard established by paragraph (15) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(B)** Not later than two years after August 8, 2005, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility, shall complete the consideration, and shall make the determination, referred to in section 2621 of this title with respect to each standard established by paragraph (15) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(6)**
**(A)** Not later than 1 year after December 19, 2007, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated utility shall commence the consideration referred to in section 2621 of this title, or set a hearing date for consideration, with respect to the standards established by paragraphs (16) through (19) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(B)** Not later than 2 years after December 19, 2007, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility, shall complete the consideration, and shall make the determination, referred to in section 2621 of this title with respect to each standard established by paragraphs (16) through (19) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(7)**
**(A)** Not later than 1 year after November 15, 2021, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility shall commence consideration under section 2621 of this title, or set a hearing date for consideration, with respect to the standard established by paragraph (20) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(B)** Not later than 2 years after November 15, 2021, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility shall complete the consideration and make the determination under section 2621 of this title with respect to the standard established by paragraph (20) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(8)**
**(A)** Not later than 1 year after November 15, 2021, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated utility shall commence consideration under section 2621 of this title, or set a hearing date for consideration, with respect to the standard established by paragraph (21) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(B)** Not later than 2 years after November 15, 2021, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility shall complete the consideration and make the determination under section 2621 of this title with respect to the standard established by paragraph (21) of section 2621(d) of this title.
**(c)** **Failure to comply** section 2621 of this titlesection 2621(d) of this titleNovember 9, 1978section 2621(d) of this titleNovember 9, 1978August 8, 2005section 2621(d) of this titleNovember 9, 1978August 8, 2005section 2621(d) of this titleNovember 9, 1978August 8, 2005section 2621(d) of this titleNovember 9, 1978December 19, 2007section 2621(d) of this titleNovember 9, 1978November 15, 2021section 2621(d) of this titleNovember 9, 1978November 15, 2021
Each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility shall undertake the consideration, and make the determination, referred to in with respect to each standard established by in the first rate proceeding commenced after the date three years after , respecting the rates of such utility if such State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility has not, before such date, complied with subsection (b)(2) with respect to such standard. In the case of each standard established by paragraphs (11) through (13) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to . In the case of the standard established by paragraph (14) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to . In the case of the standard established by paragraph (15) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to . In the case of the standards established by paragraphs (16) through (19) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to . In the case of the standard established by paragraph (20) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to . In the case of the standard established by paragraph (21) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to .
**(d)** **Prior State actions relating to standard under certain paragraphs of section 2621(d)** Subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to the standards established by paragraphs (11) through (13) and paragraphs (16) through (19) of section 2621(d) of this title in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before August 8, 2005—
**(1)** the State has implemented for such utility the standard concerned (or a comparable standard);
**(2)** the State regulatory authority for such State or relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard concerned (or a comparable standard) for such utility; or
**(3)** the State legislature has voted on the implementation of such standard (or a comparable standard) for such utility.
**(e)** **Prior State actions relating to standard under section 2621(d)(14)** Subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to the standard established by paragraph (14) of section 2621(d) of this title in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before August 8, 2005—
**(1)** the State has implemented for such utility the standard concerned (or a comparable standard);
**(2)** the State regulatory authority for such State or relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard concerned (or a comparable standard) for such utility within the previous 3 years; or
**(3)** the State legislature has voted on the implementation of such standard (or a comparable standard) for such utility within the previous 3 years.
**(f)** **Prior State actions relating to standard under section 2621(d)(15)** Subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to the standard established by paragraph (15) of section 2621(d) of this title in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before August 8, 2005—
**(1)** the State has implemented for such utility the standard concerned (or a comparable standard);
**(2)** the State regulatory authority for such State or relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard concerned (or a comparable standard) for such utility; or
**(3)** the State legislature has voted on the implementation of such standard (or a comparable standard) for such utility.
**(g)** **Prior State actions** Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to the standard established by paragraph (20) of section 2621(d) of this title in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before November 15, 2021—
**(1)** the State has implemented for the electric utility the standard (or a comparable standard);
**(2)** the State regulatory authority for the State or the relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility; or
**(3)** the State legislature has voted on the implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility.
**(h)** **Other prior State actions** Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to the standard established by paragraph (21) of section 2621(d) of this title in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before November 15, 2021—
**(1)** the State has implemented for the electric utility the standard (or a comparable standard);
**(2)** the State regulatory authority for the State or the relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility; or
**(3)** the State legislature has voted on the implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility during the 3-year period ending on November 15, 2021.
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**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 95–617, title I, § 112, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3122; Pub. L. 102–486, title I, § 111(c), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2795; Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, §§ 1251(b)(1)–(3)(A), 1252(g)–(i)(1), 1254(b)(1)–(3)(A), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 963, 966, 967, 971; Pub. L. 110–140, title XIII, § 1307(b), Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1793; Pub. L. 111–5, div. A, title IV, § 408(b), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 146; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title I, § 40104(a)(2)(A)–(C)(i), title IV, § 40431(b)(1)–(3)(A), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 931, 932, 1048.)
## Editorial Notes
### References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), was in the original “this title”, meaning title I (§ 101 et seq.) of , , , which enacted subchapters I to IV of this chapter and , The Public Health and Welfare, and amended sections 6802 to 6807 of Title 42. For complete classification of title I to the Code, see Tables.
### Codification
“”, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), (2), was in the original “the enactment of the Comprehensive National Energy Policy Act”, and was translated as meaning the enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, , to reflect the probable intent of Congress. The Comprehensive National Energy Policy Act was the original short title of H.R. 776, which was enacted into law on , as .
### Amendments
2021—Subsec. (b)(7). , added par. (7).
Subsec. (b)(8). , added par. (8).
Subsec. (c). , inserted at end “In the case of the standard established by paragraph (21) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to .”
, substituted “. In the case of the standard established by paragraph (15) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to . In the case of the standards established by paragraphs (16)” for “. In the case of the standards established by paragraphs (16)” and inserted at end “In the case of the standard established by paragraph (20) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to .”
Subsec. (d). , repealed . See 2005 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (g). , added subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h). , added subsec. (h).
2009—Subsecs. (b)(6), (d). substituted “(16) through (19)” for “(17) through (18)” wherever appearing.
2007—Subsec. (b)(6). , added par. (6).
Subsec. (c). , inserted at end “In the case of the standards established by paragraphs (16) through (19) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to .”
Subsec. (d). , inserted “and paragraphs (17) through (18)” before “of section 2621(d)” in introductory provisions.
2005—Subsec. (b)(3). , added par. (3).
Subsec. (b)(4). , added par. (4).
Subsec. (b)(5). , added par. (5).
Subsec. (c). , inserted at end “In the case of the standard established by paragraph (14) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to .”
, inserted at end “In the case of each standard established by paragraphs (11) through (13) of , the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to .”
Subsec. (d). , which directed amendment of subsec. (d) by inserting at end “In the case of the standard established by paragraph (15), the reference contained in this subsection to , shall be deemed to be a reference to .”, was repealed and made void by . See Effective Date of 2021 Amendment note below.
, added subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e). , added subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f). , added subsec. (f).
1992—Subsec. (b)(1), (2). inserted “(or after , in the case of standards under paragraphs (7), (8), and (9) of )”.
## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
### Effective Date of 2021 Amendment
> “Paragraph (2) of section 1254(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (
>
> ;
>
> ) [amending this section] is repealed and the amendment made by that paragraph (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [
>
> ]) is void, and section 112(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (
>
> ) shall be in effect as if that amendment had not been enacted.”
, , , provided that:
### Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Amendment by effective on the date that is 1 day after , see , set out as an Effective Date note under , The Congress.
### Wage Rate Requirements
For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of , including authority of Secretary of Labor, see , The Public Health and Welfare.