Quantum-GUARD Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to look at how quantum computers could threaten the power grid. Regulators must now consider these advanced cyber risks when they set safety and reliability rules for power companies.
• The Department of Energy will create a new testing program called a sandbox. This program will let government agencies and power companies work together to test new types of security to see if they can protect the grid's hardware and software from future hacking methods.
• A major study will be conducted to find the most important parts of the power system that are vulnerable to quantum attacks. The study will also look at what is stopping companies from upgrading their systems to newer and safer technology.
• This policy aims to stay ahead of future technology that could crack current encryption. By starting these tests and studies now, the government hopes to prevent hackers from using powerful new computers to cause massive blackouts or damage energy infrastructure.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.