GRID Power Act

Bill Number: H.R. 1047
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-09-19: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-04-17T13:32:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act (GRID Power Act) aims to reform the process for connecting new power generation projects to the electric grid. It focuses on speeding up approvals for "dispatchable power" projects—reliable energy sources that can predictably supply electricity when needed—to improve the grid's overall stability and ability to meet demand.

Key Provisions

Definitions: The Act defines key terms, including:
Dispatchable power: Energy resources that provide forecastable electricity supply to support grid needs.
Grid reliability: The grid's capacity to deliver steady, secure electricity during normal and sudden disruptions.
Grid resilience: The grid's ability to adapt to changes, like natural disasters or cyberattacks, and recover quickly.
Transmission providers: Entities like utilities, Independent System Operators (ISOs; regional groups managing electricity flow), and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs; similar to ISOs but with broader oversight) that handle grid connections.
Rulemaking Requirement: Within 90 days of enactment, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC; the federal agency overseeing interstate electricity transmission) must start a rulemaking process to:
Fix inefficiencies in the current "interconnection queue" (the lineup of projects waiting to connect to the grid).
Update standard FERC templates for large generator connections to allow transmission providers to propose reprioritizing the queue for dispatchable power projects that boost reliability or resilience.
Proposal Process: Transmission providers must:
Show evidence of need and explain reliability benefits in their proposals.
Hold public comment periods and engage stakeholders before submitting to FERC.
Report regularly to FERC on grid conditions and actions taken.
FERC Review and Timeline: FERC must approve or deny proposals within 60 days. A final rule must be issued within 180 days of enactment, with reviews and updates every 5 years to address evolving challenges.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends FERC's standard procedures (under 18 CFR 35.28(f)) for handling large generator interconnections, which currently process requests in a first-come, first-served order without built-in prioritization for reliability-focused projects.
Introduces flexibility for queue adjustments, shifting from a rigid lineup to one that can fast-track dispatchable projects based on demonstrated grid benefits, while requiring transparency and public input.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: FERC will face increased workload for rulemakings, reviews, and oversight, potentially requiring more resources to meet tight deadlines.
Citizens: Could lead to a more reliable electricity supply, reducing outage risks and supporting energy needs during peak demand or emergencies, though short-term delays in other projects might affect energy costs.
International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but enhanced U.S. grid resilience could indirectly strengthen energy security in global contexts like trade or disaster response.
Energy Sector: Faster connections for dispatchable projects (e.g., natural gas or nuclear plants) may accelerate grid modernization, but could slow non-dispatchable projects like some renewables if they lose queue position.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): Primary regulator responsible for implementing and enforcing the reforms.
Transmission Providers: Utilities, ISOs, and RTOs that manage grid connections and must submit proposals and reports.
Power Project Developers: Companies building dispatchable generation projects benefit from prioritization, while others (e.g., wind or solar developers) may face delays.
Consumers and End-Users: Households and businesses relying on stable electricity, who gain from improved reliability but could see varied project timelines.
Stakeholders in Public Engagement: Local communities, environmental groups, and industry associations involved in comment periods.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens FERC's authority under the Federal Power Act to promote grid reliability, but requires balancing fair access to the queue with anti-discrimination principles in energy regulation. The 60-day approval deadline could challenge administrative procedures if proposals are complex.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause powers over interstate energy, without raising clear separation-of-powers issues, though periodic reviews ensure adaptability without overreach.
Political: May spark debate on energy mix, favoring reliable "baseload" sources amid transitions to renewables; promotes bipartisanship on infrastructure but could face opposition from clean energy advocates concerned about queue disruptions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12]

Cosponsors (17)

Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

Recent Actions

2025-09-19: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-09-18: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-09-18: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 206 (Roll no. 279). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4433) (Roll call 279)
2025-09-18: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 206 (Roll no. 279). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4433-4434: 1) (Roll call 279)
2025-09-18: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4444)
2025-09-18: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 1047, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2025-09-18: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2025-09-18: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1047.
2025-09-18: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
2025-09-18: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4433)
2025-09-15: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 707 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 251.
2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-295.
2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-295.
2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 23.

Bill Versions

Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (8 pages)
Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (6 pages)
Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (6 pages)
Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (8 pages)