GRID Power Act

This bill would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to update rules for connecting new electricity generation projects to the power grid, specifically prioritizing "dispatchable" power sources like fossil fuel plants that can provide a steady and predictable energy supply. The proposal would allow transmission providers to move these dispatchable projects to higher positions in their connection queues to improve grid reliability and resource adequacy. Additionally, FERC would be required to review and act on these prioritization proposals within 60 days of submission.

This bill affects the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which must establish and review new rules for the electric grid interconnection process. It also impacts transmission providers and developers of dispatchable power projects, such as fossil fuel generating units, by allowing these projects to be prioritized in interconnection queues. Additionally, the bill affects developers of other electricity generation resources, including renewable energy projects, whose positions in the interconnection queue may be impacted by the prioritization of dispatchable resources.

• Prioritization of dispatchable power interconnection. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish and periodically review rules that prioritize the grid interconnection process for dispatchable power projects, such as fossil fuel generating units.
• Efficiency improvements for grid reliability projects. Directs FERC to revise existing procedures to ensure that new dispatchable power projects improving grid reliability and resource adequacy can connect to the electric grid quickly and cost-effectively.
• Authorization for queue position adjustments. Amends standard interconnection procedures and agreements to allow transmission providers to propose assigning higher queue positions to dispatchable power projects that enhance grid stability.
• Expedited FERC review of prioritization proposals. Establishes a 60-day deadline for FERC to approve or deny proposals from transmission providers regarding the prioritization of dispatchable power projects in their interconnection queues.

The bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to revise existing regulatory frameworks, specifically the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement. These modifications would alter the current queue-based approval process for connecting new generating units to the electric grid.

The bill aims to enhance electric grid reliability and resource adequacy by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to prioritize the interconnection of dispatchable power projects, such as fossil fuel generating units. It seeks to ensure these projects can connect to the high-voltage transmission grid more quickly and cost-effectively by allowing them to be assigned higher positions in interconnection queues.