State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3628
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-12-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act" (H.R. 3628) aims to strengthen the reliability of the U.S. electric grid by requiring states to incorporate planning for dependable power generation sources. It amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), a law that guides how states regulate electric utilities, to prioritize continuous and stable electricity supply amid growing demands and weather-related risks.

Key Provisions

New Reliability Standard: Adds a 22nd standard to PURPA's Section 111(d), mandating that states with regulated electric utilities using "integrated resource planning" (a long-term strategy for meeting electricity needs) must include measures to ensure reliable power availability over a 10-year horizon. This involves either operating or procuring energy from "reliable generation facilities."
Definition of Reliable Generation Facility: These are power plants capable of:
Generating electricity continuously for at least 30 days.
Having on-site fuel or a steady energy source (or contracts ensuring supply) for 30 days of operation.
Functioning during emergencies or severe weather.
Providing essential grid services like frequency support (stabilizing power fluctuations) and voltage support (maintaining steady electricity flow).
State Implementation Timelines: Under amended Section 112:
State regulatory authorities must start considering this standard within 1 year of enactment and complete their determination within 2 years.
Exemptions apply if a state has already implemented a similar standard, held related proceedings, or had legislative votes on it in the prior 3 years.
Handling of Prior Actions: Amended Section 124 ensures that ongoing or past state proceedings are not disrupted by this new requirement.
GAO Report: Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent congressional watchdog, to submit a report within 1 year assessing how well existing integrated resource planning has ensured reliable power supplies, stability, and affordability for consumers before this new standard takes effect.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Expands PURPA's list of required state considerations (previously 21 standards) by adding this reliability-focused one, shifting emphasis toward facilities that provide consistent, weather-resilient power rather than solely cost or efficiency.
Introduces specific timelines and exemptions for state compliance, which were not previously detailed for this type of standard, streamlining federal oversight while respecting prior state efforts.
Ties reliability to operational metrics (e.g., 30-day continuous generation), a novel criterion not explicitly in prior PURPA provisions.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: State public utility commissions will face new planning and review obligations, potentially increasing administrative workloads. The GAO's report could inform future federal energy policies.
On Citizens: Aims to enhance grid reliability, reducing outage risks during extreme weather or emergencies, which could improve electricity affordability and stability for households and businesses. However, it may influence energy costs if it favors certain power sources over others.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly support U.S. energy security by promoting domestic reliable generation, potentially reducing reliance on imported fuels.

Main Stakeholders Affected

State Regulatory Authorities: Public utility commissions responsible for overseeing utilities and implementing the new standard.
Electric Utilities: State-regulated companies using integrated resource planning, required to maintain or procure from reliable facilities.
Electric Consumers: Households, businesses, and industries that rely on stable power supplies.
Power Generation Owners/Operators: Facilities meeting the reliability criteria (e.g., those with firm fuel supplies) may benefit, while intermittent sources (like some renewables) could face planning challenges.
Congress and GAO: Involved in oversight and evaluation through the mandated report.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces federal influence on state energy regulation under PURPA without overriding state authority, respecting the 10th Amendment (which reserves powers to states) via exemptions for prior actions. Could lead to litigation if utilities challenge the definition of "reliable" facilities as overly prescriptive.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority over interstate energy markets but balances federal standards with state sovereignty in utility regulation.
Political: Highlights tensions in energy policy between reliability (often linked to traditional sources like natural gas or nuclear) and other goals like renewable energy transitions. The bill's passage in the House and Senate referral suggest bipartisan interest in grid resilience amid climate and supply concerns, but implementation may spark debates on energy mix preferences.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

Recent Actions

2025-12-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-12-11: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-12-11: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 207 (Roll no. 323). (Roll call 323)
2025-12-11: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 207 (Roll no. 323). (Roll call 323)
2025-12-11: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5789)
2025-12-10: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3628, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2025-12-10: DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 936, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore (WV) amendment No. 1
2025-12-10: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3628.
2025-12-10: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.
2025-12-10: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 936. (consideration: CR H5522-5528; text: CR H5522-5523)
2025-12-09: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 936 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.
2025-09-19: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 260.
2025-09-19: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-306.
2025-09-19: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-306.
2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 23.

Bill Versions

State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (8 pages)
State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act — issued 2025-05-29 — PDF (6 pages)
State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (7 pages)
State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (8 pages)