S.465 - Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act; GRID Power Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.465, the GRID Power Act, aims to reform the interconnection queue process at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The goal is to prioritize and expedite the approval of dispatchable power projects that enhance grid reliability and resource adequacy. This involves rulemaking to address inefficiencies in existing procedures and to allow transmission providers to propose adjustments to the interconnection queue.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to faster integration of dispatchable power sources into the electric grid. This could improve grid reliability and resilience by ensuring a more stable and secure electricity supply. The Act mandates regular reporting on grid reliability and resilience, potentially leading to better monitoring and proactive measures.
Potential Benefits
- Improved grid reliability and resilience through prioritized interconnection of dispatchable power projects.
- Increased energy security by ensuring a stable and predictable electricity supply.
- Potential for reduced energy costs due to improved efficiency and resource adequacy.
- Enhanced transparency and stakeholder engagement in the interconnection process.
- Encourages innovation in dispatchable power technologies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended consequences due to expedited approval processes, such as overlooking environmental or community impacts.
- Risk of favoring certain dispatchable power technologies over others, potentially hindering the development of diverse energy sources.
- Increased administrative burden on FERC and transmission providers due to the new rulemaking and reporting requirements.
- Possible legal challenges from stakeholders who feel their projects are unfairly deprioritized.
- The definition of 'dispatchable power' may be too narrow, excluding potentially valuable resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, as it regulates interstate commerce by addressing the reliability and efficiency of the national electric grid. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The Act delegates authority to FERC, which is permissible under the Constitution as long as Congress provides clear standards and guidelines, which the Act attempts to do.
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).