Load Forecasting Enhancement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9332
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:05:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to improve the accuracy, transparency, and effectiveness of electric load forecasting to support reliable and affordable electric service. It directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to create regional studies and incorporates resulting best practices into federal standards for utilities.
Key Provisions
- Regional Joint Boards: Within 90 days of enactment, FERC must establish regions covering all states and create a joint board for each. Each board includes one representative from every state commission in the region and one FERC member as chair.
- Board Duties: Boards study factors affecting load forecasting, including effects on affordability and reliability, data collection methods, transparency and accuracy of forecasts, stakeholder involvement, economic projections, best technologies, and large-load requests from industrial or commercial facilities. Boards identify best practices and report them to FERC.
- Report to Congress: FERC must submit a report within one year of enactment summarizing best practices and recommending consistent use by electric utilities across states.
- PURPA Amendment: Adds a new standard requiring utilities to incorporate FERC report recommendations into load forecasting procedures. States must begin consideration within one year and complete determinations within two years.
- State Energy Conservation Plans: Requires states to include procedures for improving the accuracy, oversight, and transparency of electric load forecasting in their plans.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) by adding electric load forecasting as a required standard and setting specific timelines for state regulatory authorities.
- Updates conforming sections in PURPA regarding prior state actions and pending proceedings.
- Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to add forecasting improvement requirements to state energy conservation plans.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases FERC's role in coordinating regional studies and providing recommendations; requires state commissions and regulatory authorities to consider and implement new standards.
- Citizens: May lead to more reliable and affordable electricity through better forecasting practices.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- State public utility commissions and regulatory authorities
- Electric utilities (both regulated and nonregulated)
- Industrial and commercial facilities with large electricity demands
- State legislatures and energy offices
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill expands federal oversight of utility practices through PURPA while preserving state authority to consider and determine standards. It promotes cooperative federal-state efforts on energy infrastructure without altering core constitutional divisions of power in energy regulation.
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 (3)
Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-06-24: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Load Forecasting Enhancement Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (8 pages)