Energy (Transmission)

in committee · United States · Senate May 18, 2026

S 4559: Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026

The Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026 establishes new federal rules to manage the connection of large energy users, specifically data centers and other facilities with peak demand exceeding 50 megawatts, to the national power grid. Under this bill, these large load customers must pay the full cost for any grid upgrades required to accommodate their connection and must demonstrate the ability to reduce or shift their electricity usage when the grid is stressed. The legislation also creates a formal queue system for interconnection requests, prioritizes facilities that use battery backup or hire apprentices, and requires owners to provide proof of financial commitment before proceeding. Additionally, the Department of Energy is tasked with collecting data on data center energy use to track trends and establish a research testbed for developing more efficient artificial intelligence technologies.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens grid reliability and fairness by ensuring large users pay for upgrades and reduce peak demand, protecting infrastructure integrity.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill imposes strict cost and usage restrictions on data centers, limiting their expansion and increasing operational burdens on tech infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Storage Transmission Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · House Apr 13, 2026

HR 8248: Grid Expansion and Reliability Act

This bill, known as the Grid Expansion and Reliability Act, shifts authority over siting interstate electric transmission facilities from the Department of Energy to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It allows companies to self-certify and begin building transmission lines in designated national interest corridors without waiting for a full permit, provided they submit specific information about their identity, project details, and timeline. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must create regulations for this process within a year, conduct annual audits of certifications, and report to Congress on how well the system works. These changes aim to streamline the approval process for new power grid infrastructure while maintaining oversight through reporting and auditing requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill facilitates interstate transmission infrastructure development, enabling renewable energy integration and grid reliability improvements through streamlined permitting.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure Transmission

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 3, 2026

S 3976: 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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates grid interconnection and transmission line construction to enhance energy infrastructure and reliability across regions.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentInterconnecting grids can improve renewable energy integration and reduce emissions through better resource sharing, though bill doesn't explicitly mention environmental goals.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Resilience Transmission

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passed · United States · House Mar 25, 2026

HRES 707: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4922) to limit youth offender status in the District of Columbia to individuals 18 years of age or younger, to direct the Attorney General of the District of Columbia to establish and operate a publicly accessible website containing updated statistics on juvenile crime in the District of Columbia, to amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to prohibit the Council of the District of Columbia from enacting changes to existing criminal liability sentences, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5143) to establish standards for law enforcement officers in the District of Columbia to engage in vehicular pursuits of suspects, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5140) to lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia to 14 years of age; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5125) to amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to terminate the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1047) to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3015) to reestablish the National Coal Council in the Department of Energy to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on matters related to coal and the coal industry, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3062) to establish a more uniform, transparent, and modern process to authorize the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of international border-crossing facilities for the import and export of oil and natural gas and the transmission of electricity; and for other purposes.

This House resolution is a procedural measure that sets the rules for considering seven separate bills in the U.S. House of Representatives. It allows for the expedited consideration of legislation related to juvenile justice in Washington, D.C., law enforcement vehicle pursuits, judicial nominations, energy infrastructure, and coal industry oversight. The resolution waives points of order and limits debate time to streamline the legislative process for these specific bills.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill H.R. 1047 addresses energy infrastructure by requiring FERC to reform interconnection queue processes, and H.R. 3062 modernizes processes for oil, natural gas, and electricity transmission facilities.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Transmission

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in committee · United States · House Feb 26, 2026

HR 7729: SURGE Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Shared Utility Rewards for Grid Efficiency Act of 2026, requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create rules that allow certain electric transmission companies to keep a portion of the money they save when they improve grid efficiency. The law mandates that these utilities submit detailed plans showing how their actions will reduce costs for customers and how much savings can be verified by independent evaluators. Utilities that successfully reduce transmission losses or improve grid performance could recover up to 60% of verified savings over a period of two to five years through rate adjustments. The bill also directs the Department of Energy to provide guidance and grants to state regulators so they can implement similar programs for utilities not under federal jurisdiction, and requires periodic studies to evaluate how these incentive frameworks affect the electric power sector.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes grid efficiency and cost savings for consumers through utility incentives, aligning with energy efficiency and infrastructure improvement goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission Utility Regulation

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 15, 2026

S 3947: REWIRE Act

This bill, known as the REWIRE Act, would streamline the process for upgrading power lines by exempting certain transmission upgrades from detailed environmental reviews when they occur within existing rights-of-way. It specifically allows utilities to replace or upgrade conductors and install new grid technologies without preparing environmental impact statements, provided the work stays within previously disturbed land or current corridors. The legislation also directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create rules that improve financial returns for companies investing in advanced transmission materials like carbon fiber cables. Additionally, the bill establishes a federal modeling program to better predict grid performance and creates a technical assistance clearinghouse to help utilities implement these new technologies.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines transmission upgrades within existing rights-of-way, reducing regulatory barriers to grid modernization and supporting energy infrastructure development.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill exempts transmission upgrades from environmental reviews, weakening environmental protections and reducing oversight on infrastructure projects.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables grid modernization and transmission upgrades, which supports technology infrastructure development and energy technology deployment.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure Transmission Broadband Access

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in committee · United States · House Sep 17, 2025

HR 5424: Energizing Our Communities Act

HR 5424, the *Energizing Our Communities Act*, creates a fund to provide payments to communities hosting major new or upgraded electric power transmission projects (those capable of moving 999 megawatts or more). The fund, financed by a portion of interest collected on specific federal energy loans, pays host communities (municipalities or tribes) within 18 months of project construction starting. Communities must use 80% of funds for local services like schools, broadband, parks, or workforce training, and at least 20% for conservation, recreation, or climate resilience projects like habitat restoration or park access. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on fund usage and payments.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds transmission infrastructure (critical for renewable energy integration) via a dedicated community payment system, aligning with clean energy infrastructure investment indicators.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates 80% of fund use for broadband infrastructure as part of community services, directly expanding internet access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Transmission Broadband Access

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in committee · United States · House Jan 13, 2026

HR 7043: To amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reauthorize the transmission facilitation program.

HR 7043 extends the funding period for the transmission facilitation program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It amends Section 40106(d)(3) by changing the program's authorization from 2022-2026 to 2026-2031. This change directly affects the program's operation, allowing continued support for grid infrastructure projects without altering its scope or eligibility. The bill makes no new policy changes but ensures the program remains active through 2031.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExtends funding for grid infrastructure program, supporting energy transmission projects without policy changes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure Transmission

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in committee · United States · House Sep 26, 2025

HR 5600: SPEED and Reliability Act of 2025

The SPEED and Reliability Act of 2025 streamlines federal permitting for new or modified electric transmission lines by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue permits within 18 months if projects meet specific criteria. It directly affects utilities building transmission infrastructure, landowners (like farmers and ranchers) along proposed routes, and state agencies through new consultation requirements. Key provisions include prioritizing projects that improve grid reliability (e.g., reducing outages), mandating landowner input during planning, and ensuring costs are allocated only to customers who benefit from the new infrastructure. The bill also clarifies FERC’s role versus state authorities and modifies cost allocation rules to align with benefits like reduced congestion and lower power losses.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyStreamlines permitting for transmission infrastructure, directly enabling renewable energy integration by reducing project delays and improving grid reliability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure Transmission

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in committee · United States · House Apr 8, 2025

HR 2703: Advancing GETs Act of 2025

HR 2703, the Advancing GETs Act of 2025, creates a shared savings program for developers who install grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) on existing or new transmission infrastructure. Developers can receive 10-25% of the savings from these technologies over three years, provided the savings exceed four times the installation cost. The bill also requires transmission operators to report annual congestion costs and creates a public map of grid constraints, while directing the Energy Secretary to establish an annual guide for utilities on implementing GETs. This directly affects utilities, developers, and grid operators by incentivizing infrastructure upgrades that boost grid efficiency, reliability, and capacity.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPromotes grid modernization via financial incentives for GETs, supporting renewable integration and infrastructure efficiency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure Transmission

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