Connect the Grid Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Connect the Grid Act of 2026, would require the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to connect its power grid with neighboring regional grid operators. The legislation removes current exemptions that have kept ERCOT largely independent from federal oversight and mandates the construction of new transmission lines to increase power flow capacity between Texas and surrounding regions. Key provisions include setting specific minimum power transfer levels, prioritizing the use of existing land rights and degraded sites for new infrastructure, and requiring environmental reviews for all projects. The bill also expands funding for transmission projects and directs a study on the benefits of connecting U.S. power grids with Mexico.