GRID Power Act
Description
This bill would require FERC to prioritize dispatchable power projects, such as fossil fuel units, in the electric grid connection queue.
Summary
What it does
This bill would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to revise the approval process for connecting new electricity generating units to the power grid by prioritizing dispatchable power projects, such as those using fossil fuels. The proposed rule would allow transmission providers to move these projects to higher positions in the interconnection queue if they are found to improve grid reliability and resource adequacy. Additionally, FERC would be required to review and act on these prioritization proposals within 60 days of submission.
Who is affected
This bill primarily affects the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which is required to issue and review new rules regarding the electric grid interconnection process. It also impacts electric energy generation resources, specifically prioritizing dispatchable power projects such as fossil fuel generating units over other units like renewable energy projects. Additionally, transmission providers are affected as they are authorized to submit proposals to FERC to assign higher queue positions to these dispatchable power projects.
Key provisions
- Prioritization of dispatchable power interconnection. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish rules that prioritize the approval process for connecting dispatchable power projects, such as fossil fuel units, to the electric grid.
- Efficiency improvements for grid reliability projects. Directs FERC to revise existing procedures to ensure that new dispatchable power projects enhancing grid reliability and resource adequacy can connect to the grid quickly and cost-effectively.
- Authorization for higher interconnection queue positions. Amends standard generator interconnection procedures to allow transmission providers to submit proposals to FERC that assign higher queue priority to dispatchable power projects.
- Expedited FERC review of prioritization proposals. Mandates that FERC must approve or deny transmission provider proposals regarding the prioritization of dispatchable power projects within 60 days of submission.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 1047, GRID Power Act· As passed by the House of Representatives on September 18, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to revise existing procedures for processing electric grid interconnection requests, specifically requiring updates to the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement to prioritize dispatchable power projects.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to improve electric grid reliability and resource adequacy by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to prioritize the interconnection of dispatchable power projects, such as fossil fuel generating units. It seeks to ensure these projects can connect to the high-voltage transmission grid more quickly and cost-effectively by allowing them to move to higher positions in the interconnection queue.