US lawmakers including Sen. Warren push energy regulators to reject AES acquisition
AES•A group of U.S. lawmakers including Senator Elizabeth Warren asked federal energy regulators to reject the proposed AES sale, valued at about $33.4 billion including debt, saying it could raise electricity bills and benefit data centers at utility customers’ expense.
1. Lawmakers oppose deal
A group of U.S. lawmakers including Senator Elizabeth Warren asked federal energy regulators this week to reject the proposed acquisition of power company AES by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners, EQT and other investors. The letter, dated Sept. 28 and directed to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Laura Swett, said private equity involvement in public utilities has significant implications for consumers’ energy costs as Americans face record-high utility bills.
2. Deal details
The investors agreed in March to acquire AES in a deal valued at about $33.4 billion including debt. The letter said the deal could drive up electricity bills and allow data centers to benefit at the expense of utility customers.
