Technical corrections only. The diff between v3 and v4 consists of updated legislative procedural information, such as the bill's referral to the Senate and the addition of the House Clerk's name. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.
GRID Power Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 19, 2025
Bottom line
FERC is mandated to streamline and prioritize the interconnection of reliable, on-demand power sources to enhance the stability and security of the electric grid.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to initiate a rulemaking within 90 days to reform the interconnection queue process. The goal is to prioritize new 'dispatchable power' projects that improve grid reliability and resource adequacy, allowing them to connect to the electric grid more quickly and cost-effectively. It requires transmission providers to submit proposals for queue adjustments and FERC to approve or deny these within 60 days.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill is essential for addressing the growing backlog in interconnection queues and ensuring the electric grid remains reliable and resilient. They contend that prioritizing dispatchable power projects, which provide known and forecastable electricity supply, is a critical step to prevent outages and maintain resource adequacy in an evolving energy landscape.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that explicitly prioritizing 'dispatchable power' could disadvantage renewable energy projects, which are often non-dispatchable but contribute to decarbonization goals. They may contend that a technology-neutral approach to queue reform would be more equitable and efficient, or that the rapid approval timelines could limit thorough regulatory review.
The bill is short and its provisions are clearly laid out, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its core directives and implications.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the 'Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act' or the 'GRID Power Act.' This provides a concise and common reference name for the legislation, clearly indicating its primary focus on grid reliability.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a clear and descriptive short title helps communicate the bill's intent to improve grid reliability and resource adequacy to all stakeholders.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the short title of a bill, as it primarily serves an identification function.
Tradeoffs
None directly from the title itself, though the name reflects the bill's specific focus on 'dispatchable power' for reliability.
Section 2
Key Definitions for Grid Reliability and Power Systems
This section defines critical terms used throughout the Act, such as 'bulk-power system,' 'Commission' (FERC), 'dispatchable power,' 'grid reliability,' 'grid resilience,' 'Independent System Operator,' 'Regional Transmission Organization,' 'resource adequacy,' and 'transmission provider.' These definitions are crucial for establishing the precise scope and meaning of the bill's directives and ensuring consistent interpretation by all parties involved.
Section 3(a)
Mandate for FERC Rulemaking on Interconnection Queue Prioritization
This provision requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to initiate a rulemaking within 90 days of the Act's enactment. The rulemaking must address inefficiencies in existing interconnection procedures to ensure that new 'dispatchable power' projects, which improve grid reliability and resource adequacy, can connect to the electric grid quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably. It specifically directs FERC to amend its pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreement.
Section 3(a)(2) and 3(b)
Mechanism for Prioritizing Dispatchable Power Projects and FERC Approval
The rulemaking must authorize transmission providers (ISOs, RTOs, public utilities) to submit proposals to FERC to adjust their interconnection queues. These proposals would assign higher positions to new dispatchable power projects that improve grid reliability and resource adequacy. Transmission providers must demonstrate the need for prioritization, describe its reliability/resilience benefits, and engage stakeholders. FERC is then mandated to review and approve or deny these proposals within a strict 60-day timeframe to ensure timely responses to grid reliability concerns.
Section 3(c) and 3(d)
Rulemaking Deadlines and Regular Regulatory Review
This section establishes a deadline of 180 days after the Act's enactment for FERC to promulgate final regulations for the rulemaking initiated under this Act. Additionally, it requires FERC to review and, if necessary, update these regulations at least once every 5 years. This periodic review ensures that the regulations remain effective and relevant to evolving challenges in grid reliability and grid resilience, adapting to changes in technology and grid conditions.
The definition of 'dispatchable power' as 'an electric energy generation resource capable of providing known and forecastable electric supply in time intervals necessary to ensure grid reliability.'
Section 2(3)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to define key terms upfront, but the precise phrasing here is highly consequential for the bill's implementation and impact on different energy technologies.
Case for: Proponents argue this definition is essential for focusing on resources that can reliably support the grid, especially as intermittent sources grow. It provides clarity on what types of projects are intended for prioritization.
Case against: Critics might argue that this definition is too narrow or could be interpreted to exclude or disadvantage certain technologies (e.g., renewables paired with storage) that can also contribute to grid reliability, potentially creating an uneven playing field.
Estimated impact: This definition will directly determine which power generation projects are eligible for prioritization in interconnection queues, significantly influencing the future energy mix and grid development.
Requires transmission providers, in any proposal to prioritize projects, to provide 'a demonstration of need for prioritization of the relevant projects' and 'a description of how the prioritization of those projects will improve grid reliability or grid resilience.'
Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)
Why it matters:This is a typical legislative mechanism to delegate detailed criteria setting to the implementing agency (FERC). However, the specifics of these criteria will have significant policy implications.
Case for: Proponents argue that these requirements ensure that prioritization is based on genuine grid needs and demonstrable benefits, preventing arbitrary queue adjustments and ensuring accountability from transmission providers.
Case against: Critics might express concern that if FERC's criteria are too broad or too narrow, they could either allow for undue prioritization or make it excessively difficult for legitimate projects to qualify, potentially leading to subjective decisions or administrative burdens.
Estimated impact: The specific criteria developed by FERC for these demonstrations will be critical in determining the practical effectiveness and fairness of the entire prioritization scheme, influencing billions in energy infrastructure investment.