House BillHR 1047Energy efficiency and conservationEnergy storage, supplies, demand
GRID Power Act
INTRO FEB 6· LAST ACTION SEP 19
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
17
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it directly addresses the growing backlog of new power generation projects trying to connect to the electricity grid. The current "interconnection queue" system is often slow and inefficient, delaying new power sources from coming online. By prioritizing "dispatchable power" projects, the bill aims to strengthen the grid's ability to consistently provide electricity and withstand disruptions like extreme weather or cyberattacks.
If this bill becomes law, we could see a faster rollout of specific types of power generation that can be turned on or off as needed, potentially making power outages less likely and the overall electricity supply more stable. If it doesn't pass, the current slow process for connecting new power plants will likely continue, potentially exacerbating grid reliability concerns as demand grows and older power plants retire.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to initiate a rulemaking within 90 days to reform the interconnection queue process for new "dispatchable power" projects.
This sets the stage for a significant overhaul of how power plants connect to the grid, specifically targeting reliable power sources.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes grid managers (transmission providers) to propose prioritizing "dispatchable power" projects in their connection queues to improve grid reliability and resource adequacy.
This creates a specific mechanism for fast-tracking power projects deemed critical for grid stability.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that transmission providers seeking prioritization must demonstrate the need for it, explain how it improves grid reliability/resilience, and conduct public comment before submitting proposals.
Ensures transparency and accountability in the prioritization process, requiring justification and public input.
PROVISION 04
Requires FERC to approve or deny these prioritization proposals within 60 days to ensure timely responses to grid reliability concerns.
This enforces a strict timeline for regulatory action, preventing delays in addressing urgent grid needs.
PROVISION 05
Requires FERC to periodically review and update the new regulations at least every 5 years to keep them effective.
Ensures the rules remain relevant as grid challenges and technologies evolve over time.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
SENATE · INTROREFERRAL
SEP 18
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4433)
FLOOR
SEP 18
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
HOUSE · FLOOR
SEP 18
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1047.
This bill matters because it directly addresses the growing backlog of new power generation projects trying to connect to the electricity grid. The current "interconnection queue" system is often slow and inefficient, delaying new power sources from coming online. By prioritizing "dispatchable power" projects, the bill aims to strengthen the grid's ability to consistently provide electricity and withstand disruptions like extreme weather or cyberattacks.
If this bill becomes law, we could see a faster rollout of specific types of power generation that can be turned on or off as needed, potentially making power outages less likely and the overall electricity supply more stable. If it doesn't pass, the current slow process for connecting new power plants will likely continue, potentially exacerbating grid reliability concerns as demand grows and older power plants retire.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to initiate a rulemaking within 90 days to reform the interconnection queue process for new "dispatchable power" projects.
This sets the stage for a significant overhaul of how power plants connect to the grid, specifically targeting reliable power sources.
high
Authorizes grid managers (transmission providers) to propose prioritizing "dispatchable power" projects in their connection queues to improve grid reliability and resource adequacy.
This creates a specific mechanism for fast-tracking power projects deemed critical for grid stability.
med
Mandates that transmission providers seeking prioritization must demonstrate the need for it, explain how it improves grid reliability/resilience, and conduct public comment before submitting proposals.
Ensures transparency and accountability in the prioritization process, requiring justification and public input.
med
Requires FERC to approve or deny these prioritization proposals within 60 days to ensure timely responses to grid reliability concerns.
This enforces a strict timeline for regulatory action, preventing delays in addressing urgent grid needs.
low
Requires FERC to periodically review and update the new regulations at least every 5 years to keep them effective.
Ensures the rules remain relevant as grid challenges and technologies evolve over time.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
FERC initiates a rulemaking to reform the interconnection queue process.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
FERC promulgates final regulations for the rulemaking.
Not later than 60 days after a proposal is submitted
FERC reviews and approves or denies proposals from transmission providers for queue adjustments.
Not less frequently than once every 5 years
FERC periodically reviews and, if necessary, updates the regulations.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Bulk-power system
The large interconnected electrical transmission network and related equipment that transports electricity across vast distances, excluding local distribution systems.
Dispatchable power
Electricity generation sources that can be turned on or off, or have their output adjusted, on demand to match changing electricity needs, providing a steady and predictable supply.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
An independent U.S. government agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil.
Grid reliability
The ability of the electricity system to consistently deliver a sufficient and stable amount of power to users, even when facing unexpected problems.
Interconnection queue
A waiting list or a sequence of steps that new power plants or energy projects must go through to get approval to connect to the existing electricity grid.
Resource adequacy
The capability of the electricity system to have enough power generation available to meet all customer demand at all times, even considering maintenance or unexpected power plant outages.
Transmission provider
ACTION TIMELINE
20 EVENTS
SEP 19, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 18, 25
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4433)
FLOOR
SEP 18, 25
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
FLOOR
SEP 18, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1047.
An entity, such as a utility company or a regional grid operator, that owns, operates, or controls facilities used to transmit high-voltage electricity across regions.
Roll Call #279
Party-Line
On Passage
PassedRequires ½ majority
216 Yes206 No9 NV
216 Yes206 No9 NV
Requires: Simple MajorityD majority: noR majority: yes
