GRID Power Act

Summary#

This bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to rewrite rules for the interconnection queue used when new power projects ask to connect to the transmission system. Within 90 days of the law, FERC must start a rulemaking to fix problems in current interconnection procedures so that new "dispatchable power" projects (resources that can provide known and forecastable electric supply) that help grid reliability and resource adequacy can connect more quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably. The bill would let transmission providers (including public utilities, Independent System Operators, and Regional Transmission Organizations) file proposals with FERC to change their interconnection queue to give higher priority to such dispatchable projects. Those proposals must show a demonstration of need and explain how prioritization would improve grid reliability or resilience, include a public comment and stakeholder engagement process before filing, and require regular reporting to FERC on grid reliability and resilience actions. FERC must approve or deny any such proposal within 60 days of filing and must issue a final rule completing the rulemaking within 180 days of the bill's enactment. FERC must also review the regulations at least every 5 years. The bill includes definitions for terms such as dispatchable power, grid reliability, grid resilience, transmission provider, and resource adequacy.

What it means for you#

• Transmission providers, ISOs, and RTOs: The bill allows you to submit proposals to reorder your interconnection queue to prioritize dispatchable projects. Proposals must include need demonstrations, public engagement, and reporting.
• Developers of dispatchable power projects: The bill creates a formal path for transmission providers to seek higher queue priority for projects that meet the bill's criteria.
• Members of the public and stakeholders: The bill requires a public comment and stakeholder engagement process before proposals are filed with FERC.
• FERC: Must start rulemaking within 90 days, decide on submitted proposals within 60 days, finish a final rule within 180 days, and review rules at least every 5 years.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs, funding, or budgetary impacts is included in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

The bill text states its purpose is to ensure new dispatchable power projects that improve grid reliability and resource adequacy can interconnect quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably. Supporters, per the text, argue that allowing prioritized queue changes, requiring need demonstrations, public engagement, and regular reporting will help address inefficiencies and improve grid reliability and resilience.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text or provided metadata about opposition viewpoints or specific concerns.