GRID Power Act
Congress Moves to Fast-Track Reliable Power Plants to Prevent Grid Blackouts
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
216–206
Key Points
- This bill requires federal energy regulators to change the rules for how new power plants join the electric grid. Currently, there is a massive waiting list for new projects to get connected, and this plan aims to move certain types of power plants to the front of the line.
- The focus is on 'dispatchable power,' which refers to energy sources that can be turned on or off whenever they are needed. This typically includes sources like natural gas, coal, or nuclear power, which help keep the lights on even when weather-dependent sources like solar and wind are not producing electricity.
- Companies that manage the power grid would be allowed to ask the government for permission to jump these reliable projects ahead of others in the waiting list. They must provide evidence that prioritizing these specific projects will make the grid more stable and less likely to experience blackouts.
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must start writing these new rules within 90 days of the bill becoming law. Once a grid operator submits a plan to prioritize a project, the government has 60 days to approve or deny it to ensure the process stays on track.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Small businesses that develop or operate dispatchable power plants (like natural gas facilities) could benefit from faster grid connection times, potentially reducing years-long waits. However, small renewable energy developers focused on solar or wind may find their projects pushed further back in the interconnection queue, making it harder and more expensive to bring their projects online.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 206 (Roll no. 279). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4433)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 206 (Roll no. 279). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4433-4434: 1)
The House of Representatives voted to approve this bill. It now goes to the Senate.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4444)
Vote Results
1 voteRelated News
5 articlesGOP bill seeks to expedite nuclear, coal and gas projects
Republicans in Congress introduced the GRID Power Act to boost gas, coal, and nuclear projects by pushing them to the front of the interconnection queue. The bill directs FERC to allow grid operators to prioritize 'dispatchable' power plants over a backlog of mostly wind and solar projects.
House sets vote on GOP pipeline, grid, coal bills
The House is slated to vote on the GRID Power Act, which allows energy projects deemed most reliable to bypass long interconnection queues. Democrats oppose the bill, arguing it lets fossil fuel projects bypass ready-to-go wind and solar projects.
House Passes Bills Aimed at Streamlining Energy Project Permits
The GRID Power Act passed the U.S. House, directing FERC to initiate rulemaking to address inefficiencies in interconnection requests. Rep. Troy Balderson, the bill's sponsor, highlighted the growing demand for power to support AI data centers as a primary driver for the legislation.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
GRID Power Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(17)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.