Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9339
- 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
- 2026-07-10T08:06:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9339: Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act
Purpose
This legislation requires the Secretary of Energy to assess the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing technologies to improve the capacity, reliability, and efficiency of the bulk-power system (the interconnected electric transmission network).
Key Provisions
- Assessment Requirement: Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of Energy must conduct an assessment in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Electric Reliability Organization.
- Scope of Assessment: The review must examine:
- The ability of AI and high-performance computing to speed up generator and load interconnection studies.
- Current uses and adoption levels of these technologies in bulk-power system operations.
- Technical, regulatory, cybersecurity, or operational barriers to wider use.
- Report and Recommendations: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The report must include recommendations for addressing identified barriers and promoting the integration of these technologies.
- Definitions: The bill adopts the meanings of "bulk-power system," "Electric Reliability Organization," and "reliable operation" from section 215(a) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824o(a)).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no direct amendments to existing statutes. It creates a new, one-time federal mandate for an assessment and reporting process focused on technology adoption in the energy sector.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Directs the Department of Energy to lead a study involving FERC and the Electric Reliability Organization, potentially informing future policy or resource allocation.
- On Citizens and Industry: Could support more efficient grid operations, potentially reducing costs or improving reliability for electricity consumers, though outcomes depend on follow-up actions.
- On International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, FERC, and the Electric Reliability Organization.
- Electric utilities, grid operators, and energy producers.
- Congressional committees overseeing energy policy.
- Technology developers and vendors in AI and computing fields.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within existing federal authority over interstate electricity transmission under the Federal Power Act. It raises no apparent constitutional concerns and focuses on administrative study rather than regulatory changes. Politically, it emphasizes technological innovation for grid enhancement without altering core regulatory frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], 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
- Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (3 pages)