The proposed "Energy Pricing Protection Act" aims to prohibit excessive pricing of essential energy products and services, such as gasoline, propane, and home heating oil, during periods of market disruption. The bill defines "excessively increased price" as a price that exceeds the pre-disruption price by more than 20%, unless justified by increased costs or prior discounts. It outlines the conditions under which businesses may not charge excessive prices during or within 30 days after a market disruption, which can be caused by various factors such as natural disasters or civil unrest.

The bill grants the Attorney General and local prosecutors the authority to investigate violations, issue demands for testimony and documents, and bring class action lawsuits on behalf of affected individuals. Penalties for violations include civil fines of up to $10,000 for individuals and $500,000 for entities, as well as potential misdemeanor charges. The act also allows for cumulative remedies and does not limit the Attorney General's powers under existing consumer protection laws. Additionally, the act will only take effect if certain related bills are enacted into law.