Transfers San Carlos Power System to Local Groups
HR10864-119 · Introduced Oct 22, 2026
Why it matters
About 10,000 residential customers of the San Carlos system could see their electric service and rates change under new local owners. Coolidge Dam and its power plant would stay with the federal government.
What it does
- Directs the Interior Department to transfer the San Carlos project's electric transmission and distribution system
- Makes the transfer exempt from a 1991 rule that would have sent the system back to the government
- Requires the Interior Department to make a transfer plan with affected tribes, local governments, and utilities
- Makes receiving groups pay the administrative costs of the transfer
- Lets the Interior Department sell Bureau of Indian Affairs electric systems to tribes after 60 days of congressional review
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
- Senatenot yet
- Presidentnot yet
About this bill
Would direct the Interior Department to transfer the San Carlos Irrigation Project's electric lines to tribes and local utilities. Receiving groups would pay the transfer's administrative costs.
San Carlos Irrigation Project Divestiture Act of 2026
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Tribes, local utilities, and irrigation districts would likely say local ownership can fix unreliable, costly service. Those groups say federal rules have blocked long-term power contracts and bond financing.
💬 The case against
Some federal budget and utility watchdogs would likely say the transfer could leave customers with higher costs. They may also question handing over assets without full federal funding.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
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