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119-hr-6633119th CongressWALLET

High-Capacity Grid Act

Sponsored By: Representative Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large]

Passed House

Summary

best-available transmission conductor class is the centerpiece of a new federal rule that would push utilities to prioritize higher-capacity, more efficient, and stronger transmission conductors on major grid projects. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would set the designation method and compliance rules, working with the Secretary of Energy, and may update the standards as technology improves.

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  • Public utilities would need to use designated conductors on "covered projects," which covers new transmission facilities and major upgrades or reconductoring, and submit filings that demonstrate compliance.
  • Regulators and technology policy would be tied together as FERC must publish a methodology within 1 year that ranks conductors by energy-carrying capacity, electrical efficiency, and mechanical performance.
  • Project schedules and costs get targeted flexibility because the rule exempts pre-enactment permits and procurements, allows emergency and safety or reliability exceptions, and permits cost-based waivers if use would significantly raise cost per kilowatt-hour without comparable benefits.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New standards for higher-capacity power lines

If enacted, FERC would have 1 year to issue rules. Utilities would need to use best-available conductors on new lines and major upgrades under FERC. FERC and the Energy Secretary would set the class by capacity, efficiency, and strength. They would also weigh reliability, safety, and affordability. Exemptions would cover pre-enactment permitted or purchased projects, emergency repairs, safety or reliability conflicts, and poor cost-benefit cases. Utilities would file data to show compliance. FERC could update the class as technology improves.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large]

ND • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]

    AZ • R

    Sponsored 12/17/2025

  • Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 1/9/2026

  • Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 1/20/2026

  • Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

    VA • R

    Sponsored 6/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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