Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act
Description
This bill would fund Department of Energy projects to develop and demonstrate technologies that improve electric grid wildfire resilience.
Summary
What it does
This bill would require the Department of Energy to establish a Resilience Accelerator Demonstration Program through its Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response. Under this program, National Laboratories would receive awards to develop and demonstrate technologies designed to strengthen the electric grid against wildfires. These projects would focus on innovations such as improved vegetation management monitoring and safety enhancements for first responders during grid-related emergencies.
Who is affected
The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, which is tasked with administering the new Resilience Accelerator Demonstration Program. Department of Energy National Laboratories are eligible to receive awards for projects demonstrating grid resilience technologies. Additionally, the bill impacts first responders who handle electric grid emergencies through the development of safety-enhancing technologies.
Key provisions
- Establishment of the Resilience Accelerator Demonstration Program. Directs the Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response to implement a program focused on improving electric grid resilience against wildfires.
- National Laboratory Research Awards. Authorizes the Department of Energy to provide awards to National Laboratories for projects that demonstrate innovative technologies designed to protect the electric grid.
- Wildfire Mitigation and Safety Technology Demonstration. Supports the development of technologies for monitoring vegetation management and enhancing the safety of first responders during electric grid emergencies.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill expands the activities of the Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response by requiring it to implement a new Resilience Accelerator Demonstration Program involving the National Laboratories.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to improve the electric grid's resilience to wildfires by establishing a demonstration program to develop and test innovative technologies, including tools for vegetation management and first responder safety.