Reliable Power Act
Last recorded step: House, Dec 18, 2025.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would require federal agencies to receive FERC approval before finalizing regulations that could impact power grid reliability.
What it does
This bill would require the North American Electric Reliability Corporation to perform annual long-term assessments of the bulk-power system's reliability. If these assessments identify a shortage of electric generation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would be authorized to review and comment on proposed federal regulations affecting power resources. Under these conditions, federal agencies would be prohibited from finalizing such regulations until FERC determines they will not significantly harm the system's ability to maintain a reliable supply of electricity.
Who is affected
This bill affects federal agencies that issue regulations impacting electric generation resources, specifically the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It also impacts the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which is tasked with conducting reliability assessments and notifying agencies of generation inadequacies. Additionally, the legislation affects entities involved in the bulk-power system and the operation of electric generation resources.
Key provisions
- Annual bulk-power system reliability assessments. Directs the North American Electric Reliability Corporation to perform annual long-term evaluations regarding the reliability of the nation's bulk-power system.
- Formal notification of generation inadequacy. Requires the electric reliability organization to notify the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) if it determines the system lacks sufficient electric generation to maintain reliability. FERC must then alert the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other relevant federal agencies.
- FERC review of proposed federal regulations. Establishes a process where federal agencies must submit proposed regulations affecting generation resources to FERC for review and comment during states of generation inadequacy.
- Reliability impact requirement for final rules. Prohibits federal agencies from finalizing certain regulations until FERC determines the rules are unlikely to have a significant negative impact on the bulk-power system's ability to maintain an adequate supply of electric energy.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 3616, Reliable Power Act· As ordered reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on June 25, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill expands the oversight responsibilities of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the bulk-power system. It also modifies the federal rulemaking process by requiring certain agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, to submit proposed regulations for interagency review if a generation inadequacy is identified.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to ensure the reliability of the bulk-power system by requiring annual long-term assessments and establishing a review process for federal regulations that may impact electric generation. It seeks to prevent the finalization of regulations that could significantly impair the system's ability to maintain an adequate supply of electric energy.