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119-s-3034119th CongressWALLET

Reliable Power Act

Sponsored By: Senator Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

In Committee

Summary

Strengthen federal review to prevent electric generation shortfalls. This bill would require the Electric Reliability Organization to produce an annual long-term assessment of the bulk-power system and give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a formal review and comment role on federal rules that affect generation.

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  • Federal agencies. Heads of agencies such as the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency would have to submit draft rules that affect generation to FERC for review and provide a written explanation of any changes before finalizing those rules.
  • Grid operators and the ERO. The Electric Reliability Organization would analyze supply adequacy, regional risk of shortfalls under normal and extreme weather, and whether additional generation is needed during the assessment period.
  • Owners, operators, and the public. Users, owners, and operators of the bulk-power system would have to provide data for the assessment, and the ERO must publicly notify the Commission if it finds a generation inadequacy.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Annual grid adequacy check

This bill would require the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to publish a yearly long-term check of whether the grid can supply enough electric energy. The check would look at generation mix, transmission changes, and demand trends. The ERO could collect data from grid owners and operators to do the review. If the ERO finds a risk of not enough generation, it would publicly notify the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

FERC review of agency power rules

If the ERO notifies FERC that generation is inadequate, FERC would promptly tell DOE, EPA, and other agencies. Those agencies would have to send any draft rules that affect generation to FERC by specific deadlines (when first sent to OMB, or 90 days before public notice, or within 60 days if already submitted). FERC would review and give comments and may recommend changes to avoid big harm to the grid. Agencies could not finalize those rules until they reply in writing and FERC finds no likely significant negative reliability impact. Agencies must publish FERC's comments and their written responses.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

AR • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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