Peace Garden News

Senators John Hoeven and Todd Young have introduced the Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable (GRID) Power Act. This legislation aims to expedite the development of new baseload power generation projects to enhance the reliability of the electrical grid.

The proposed bill seeks to authorize regional grid operators, following rulemaking from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to prioritize baseload generation projects seeking interconnection agreements. Currently, projects face a median wait time of five years for such agreements, delaying critical infrastructure developments. The bill mandates FERC to initiate rulemaking within 90 days of enactment and finalize it within 180 days.

Additionally, the legislation establishes a timeline for FERC to act on prioritized baseload generation projects within 60 days. Senator Hoeven stated that "the reliability of the electric grid has been undermined for years by Green New Deal policies," adding that this legislation aims to reverse that trend by prioritizing essential power projects.

Senator Todd Young emphasized that bureaucratic delays are threatening grid reliability and highlighted Indiana's reliance on dependable energy for economic growth. "This bill will strengthen our grid to promote American energy independence," he said.

Representative Troy Balderson, who introduced a companion bill in the House, noted that "our interconnection queue is buckling under its own weight." He stressed that this legislation would empower grid operators to expedite essential projects.

Jason Bohrer from the Lignite Energy Council praised the initiative, saying it recognizes "the role that always-on dispatchable power must play" in ensuring reliable electricity. Anne Bradbury from the American Exploration & Production Council also supported prioritizing power-generation projects like those using natural gas.

Todd Snitchler from the Electric Power Supply Association expressed gratitude for efforts addressing electric grid reliability amid rising electricity demand driven by technological advancements and sector electrification.