Baseload Reliability Protection Act

Key Points

• Would block owners from closing certain “always-available” power plants, or switching their fuel, in grid regions flagged as high risk for power shortages.
• Applies only in regions run by big grid operators, and only to dispatchable plants 25 megawatts or larger that are not mainly powered by intermittent renewables.
• Lets plant owners ask the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for an exemption within 90 days after a risk report, with decisions generally due in 90 days (or 180 days for money-loss claims).
• If a plant is losing money but is needed for reliability, the Energy Department could give a loan or grant to keep it running; taking that help means the exemption request is treated as denied.
• Tells regulators not to consider a plant’s greenhouse gas emissions when deciding exemptions, and provides some protection from certain environmental-law spending while the ban is in place.