Reliable Power Act
Summary
The Reliable Power Act requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review regulations that may affect the reliable operation of the bulk-power system. This includes annual long-term assessments of the bulk-power system's ability to supply sufficient electric energy. The Act also mandates FERC to notify relevant federal agencies if the bulk-power system is at risk of generation inadequacy.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of federal regulations impacting the energy sector. This could result in modifications to regulations to ensure grid reliability. It also aims to prevent potential energy supply shortfalls.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced grid reliability through proactive assessments.
- Improved coordination between FERC and other federal agencies.
- Increased transparency through public notification of potential generation inadequacies.
- Data-driven decision-making based on comprehensive data collection.
- Potential mitigation of risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in implementing new regulations due to the review process.
- Increased administrative burden on FERC and other federal agencies.
- Possible conflicts between agencies regarding the interpretation of "significant negative impact".
- Risk of over-reliance on certain energy sources if reliability is prioritized over other considerations.
- Potential for increased costs associated with data collection and analysis.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, as the bulk-power system involves the transmission of electricity across state lines. It also aligns with the General Welfare Clause as it aims to promote the well-being of the populace by ensuring a reliable power supply. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).