S 3855 United States Senate · 118th Congress

Connect the Grid Act of 2024

The Connect the Grid Act of 2024 removes special exemptions for Texas' ERCOT grid, requiring it to connect with neighboring grids (SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection) by mandating minimum electricity transfer capacity - such as 4.3-12.6 gigawatts between ERCOT and SPP. It requires grid operators to jointly submit plans by 2025 for new or upgraded transmission projects, prioritizing grid-enhancing technologies, existing infrastructure corridors, degraded land sites (like brownfields), and community engagement with environmental justice and Tribal communities. The bill also increases federal transmission funding by $11 billion and directs a study on benefits of interconnecting U.S. and Mexican power facilities. This directly affects ERCOT, neighboring grid operators, and communities near proposed transmission projects.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Feb 29, 2024 Last action Feb 29, 2024
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Total actions
2
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Committee
1
Feb 29, 2024
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
upper
Feb 29, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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