Reliable Power Act

S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, would amend the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review regulations proposed by other federal agencies that could affect the reliability of the nation's bulk-power system. Under the bill, FERC would work with the Electric Reliability Organization to assess whether proposed regulations might threaten grid reliability. Federal agencies would be prohibited from finalizing their regulations until they respond to any concerns FERC raises during this review process.

The bill's intent is to ensure that federal regulations do not inadvertently undermine the reliable operation of the electrical grid or increase costs to consumers. Currently in the early stages of the legislative process, the bill has been referred to committee for consideration. If enacted, it would give energy regulators a formal role in evaluating how rules from other federal agencies—such as environmental regulations—might impact the power system's ability to deliver electricity reliably to homes, schools, and businesses.