The Quantum-GUARD Act of 2026 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to evaluate cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computers and the potential use of post-quantum cryptography when reviewing reliability standards for the bulk-power system. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a "PQC sandbox" within one year, bringing together grid operators, technology vendors, and government agencies to test and develop post-quantum security solutions for both information and operational technology systems. Additionally, the Secretary of Energy must conduct a study on the specific vulnerabilities of critical grid infrastructure to quantum threats and submit a report with recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment.
The STRONG GRID Act of 2026 directs state regulators to develop rules for connecting microgrids and for measuring the value of investments in grid resilience, while exempting military installations from these new standards. To support these efforts, the bill creates a new grant program that provides up to $500 million over five years to help states deploy microgrids, with priority given to projects in rural areas, low-income communities, and those that improve energy reliability or cybersecurity. Additionally, the Department of Energy will offer technical assistance to utilities and regulators and launch a $200 million pilot program to fund innovative microgrid projects that test new technologies and management systems.
The Data Center Tax Accountability and Disclosure Act of 2026 modifies tax rules and establishes reporting requirements for large data centers. It removes a tax incentive known as bonus depreciation for artificial intelligence data centers unless they meet specific green building standards, such as LEED Platinum or Gold certification. Additionally, the bill requires operators of data centers consuming at least 25 megawatts of power to submit detailed annual reports on their water and electricity usage, emissions, and backup power systems to state or federal agencies. These reports must be made public, and the law prohibits companies from using confidentiality agreements to hide this information. Operators who fail to comply with these reporting requirements face daily civil penalties of up to $100,000 for intentional violations.
The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act modifies the Federal Power Act to establish new rules for how costs are assigned to major new or upgraded interstate power transmission lines. This legislation directly affects electric utilities and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by requiring them to file tariffs that allocate expenses based on where the benefits of the project are felt, such as improved reliability and economic value. Specifically, the bill applies to new lines with at least 1,000 megawatts of capacity or upgrades adding 500 megawatts, ensuring that customers in the regions receiving these benefits share the costs proportionally. The law maintains the Commission's existing authority to handle cost allocations for transmission projects that do not meet these specific national significance criteria.
The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act modifies the Federal Power Act to establish a new rule for how costs are assigned for large-scale interstate or offshore transmission lines. Under this bill, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must require that the costs of these major projects be shared by customers based on the benefits they receive, such as improved reliability and resilience. The law specifically applies to new transmission lines with a capacity of at least 1,000 megawatts or upgrades that add 500 megawatts or more, ensuring that those who gain the most from the infrastructure contribute proportionally to its expense. This change aims to create a fairer cost-sharing framework for significant power grid projects while leaving the rules for smaller facilities unchanged.
The POWER ON Act of 2026 extends the funding authorization for the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program. Originally set to expire in 2026, the bill updates the timeline so that this funding will now run through 2031. This legislative change directly affects the Department of Energy and the private sector partners that receive grants to improve the reliability of the electric grid. By reauthorizing these specific provisions, the bill ensures continued financial support for projects aimed at strengthening the nation's power infrastructure without altering the program's existing scope or requirements.
The POWER Up Act expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to oversee the connection of large electricity users to the national power grid. This change specifically affects facilities with a projected peak demand of 100 megawatts or more, requiring them to follow federal rules similar to those for power generators. The bill mandates that the Commission create standardized procedures for these connections within 18 months and includes provisions to ensure reliable power delivery. While the federal government gains oversight of these interconnections, the law explicitly preserves state and local control over building permits, retail rates, and local distribution systems.
The Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act directs the Department of Energy to study how artificial intelligence and high-performance computing can improve the reliability and efficiency of the national power grid. This assessment will specifically examine how these technologies can speed up the process of connecting new power sources to the grid and identify any technical or cybersecurity barriers to their use. Within one year of passing, the Department of Energy must submit a report to Congress outlining its findings and offering recommendations to overcome identified limitations and encourage wider adoption of these tools. The bill primarily affects federal agencies responsible for energy oversight and the electric power industry, aiming to gather data rather than immediately changing laws.
The Better Energy Storage and Safety Act expands federal efforts to improve the safety and reliability of energy storage systems used in homes and on the electrical grid. It directs government agencies to develop standardized testing methods, including stress tests that push systems to failure, to better predict how these technologies degrade and to mitigate risks like fires or explosions. The legislation also increases funding for demonstration projects and grants, requiring a focus on safer battery chemistries and advanced diagnostic tools. Additionally, it updates the program's goals to include the use of artificial intelligence and digital modeling to enhance the safety of installed energy storage units.
The SAFE through Medicare Act expands Medicare coverage to include specific home resiliency services for individuals deemed medically at-risk during climate or manmade disasters. This bill defines these services as medically necessary items, such as heat pumps, solar batteries, and energy-efficient cold storage, that help vulnerable people cope with extreme weather events like heat waves, cold snaps, or flooding. To determine eligibility, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish a process considering factors like geographic climate risks, local disaster history, and a patient's reliance on temperature-sensitive medical equipment or power-dependent devices. If approved, Medicare will cover 100 percent of the cost for these services, provided they are furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
