Kathy Castor Introduces Bill to Ban Utility Companies from Manipulating Elections

TAMPA — Rep. Kathy Castor has introduced legislation to prohibit utility companies from using ratepayer dollars to fund political activities, including the use of ‘dark money’ to fund ‘ghost candidates’ and undermine public trust. The bill is a response to a series of scandals involving secret political spending by major energy providers in Florida.

The Ethics in Energy Act would prohibit utilities from using ratepayer dollars to finance political activities, including so-called “dark money” operations and funding of sham “ghost candidates” to sway election outcomes. The bill is co-sponsored by several House Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Doris Matsui.

“Electric bills should pay for electricity – not political tricks to hijack elections,” said Castor. “Florida families are tired of being taken advantage of by big utility companies that continue to raise rates while using their hard-earned dollars to bankroll deceitful political activities and block access to cleaner, cheaper energy. It’s time for Congress to stand up for customers, stop this abuse and secure our elections from corporate manipulation.”

High-profile investigations in Florida uncovered how Florida Power & Light funneled ratepayer money to support ghost candidates and influence news coverage. Similar scandals have unfolded in Ohio and Illinois, where utility giants FirstEnergy and Commonwealth Edison were linked to bribery schemes.

Castor’s legislation is backed by a coalition of environmental and watchdog groups, including Evergreen Action, the Energy and Policy Institute, and the Center for Biological Diversity. Supporters argue the bill is needed to curb rising electric bills and stop utilities from lobbying against clean energy investments.

If passed, the legislation would bar utilities from forcing customers to fund political campaigns or industry lobbying efforts, particularly those aimed at preserving fossil fuel profits or resisting clean energy reforms.

The bill is expected to face opposition from industry groups and Republican lawmakers, but Castor and her allies say it’s a necessary step to protect ratepayers and uphold democratic integrity.