Expediting Generator Interconnection Procedures Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2986
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T17:48:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Expediting Generator Interconnection Procedures Act of 2025 aims to speed up the process of connecting new electric power generation facilities (like solar or wind farms) and energy storage systems (like batteries) to the national electric grid. It requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC, the federal agency overseeing interstate electricity transmission) to update its rules for handling these connections, making the process faster, cheaper, and more reliable without compromising grid safety.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms to clarify its scope, including:
- Energy storage project: Equipment or projects that store and release energy using technologies like batteries, pumped water, or flywheels, especially those tied to grid connections.
- Generation project: Facilities that produce electricity (e.g., power plants) or modifications to them, subject to FERC oversight.
- Interconnection request: A formal application by a developer (called an "interconnection customer") to link their project to a utility's grid for selling power wholesale or transmitting it across state lines.
- Transmission provider: Utilities that own or operate high-voltage power lines for interstate electricity flow.
- Rulemaking Requirement: Within 180 days of enactment, FERC must begin a formal process to revise its standard procedures (known as "pro forma" rules) for large-scale connections. This includes updating the Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreement.
- Specific Reforms Mandated:
- Use realistic modeling based on how projects actually operate when studying connection impacts.
- Tailor studies to the customer's acceptable level of risk (e.g., flexibility in handling uncertainties).
- Identify and select the most cost-effective ways to fix any grid reliability issues found during studies.
- Provide clear explanations to customers about the assumptions and solutions used.
- Adopt best practices for managing the "queue" of connection requests, such as using advanced computers, automation, and uniform study standards to speed up reviews.
- Implement measures for transparency and efficiency in building needed grid upgrades after an agreement is signed.
- Timeline: FERC must issue a final rule within 18 months of enactment.
- Savings Clause: The bill does not change how costs for grid upgrades are divided among parties, which remains under FERC's existing authority to set fair rates.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation builds on FERC's current regulations (under Title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations) by mandating updates to outdated interconnection procedures. Key changes include shifting from rigid, one-size-fits-all studies to more flexible, data-driven, and technology-enabled processes. It introduces requirements for risk-based assessments, cost-effective solutions, and queue management innovations—elements not explicitly required before—aimed at reducing delays that currently backlog thousands of renewable energy projects.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: FERC will face a tight deadline to revise rules, potentially increasing its workload but streamlining long-term oversight of grid connections.
- Citizens: Faster grid connections could accelerate the addition of clean energy sources and storage, leading to more reliable power, lower electricity costs over time (by reducing delays), and support for the shift to renewable energy. However, any upfront grid upgrades might temporarily affect utility rates.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. electricity transmission.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Interconnection Customers: Developers of generation and storage projects (e.g., renewable energy companies) who benefit from quicker approvals and clearer processes.
- Transmission Providers: Electric utilities that manage the grid, required to adopt new practices but gaining tools for efficient queue management.
- Consumers and Ratepayers: Indirectly affected through potential changes in energy availability and costs passed on via utility bills.
- FERC and Regulators: Directly tasked with implementation, influencing broader energy policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces FERC's authority under the Federal Power Act (a 1935 law governing interstate electricity) to standardize procedures, without altering cost-sharing rules, which avoids challenges to rate-setting precedents. The savings clause protects against legal disputes over cost allocation.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves federal regulation of interstate commerce, a clear congressional power under the Commerce Clause.
- Political: Supports national goals for energy reliability and clean energy expansion (e.g., aligning with climate initiatives), but could face pushback from utilities concerned about implementation costs. It promotes bipartisanship on infrastructure efficiency without mandating specific energy sources.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-06-24: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-04-24: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-04-24: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Expediting Generator Interconnection Procedures Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (6 pages)