PROTECT the Grid Act
Sponsored By: Representative Crenshaw
Introduced
Summary
Prevent foreign-adversary demand manipulation of the electric grid via high‑wattage Internet‑connected devices. This bill would direct the Secretary of Commerce to assess how foreign‑adversary‑controlled applications and high‑wattage IoT devices could destabilize the U.S. electric grid and to recommend labeling, procurement limits, and other protections while codifying Executive Order 13873 into law.
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- Families and consumers: Could see new labeling or certification for home appliances that connect to the Internet, with a focus on devices that draw more than 500 watts like EV chargers, dryers, and air conditioners. These measures aim to reduce the risk that everyday devices could be used to manipulate home energy use at scale.
- Utilities and grid operators: Would get a national security risk assessment within 270 days that maps how fleets of connected appliances and foreign‑controlled apps could cause frequency imbalances, cascading failures, or blackouts, and recommends mitigations. The study must include public and industry input.
- Manufacturers and covered foreign entities: Companies tied to foreign‑adversary jurisdictions—reportedly controlling more than 25 percent of the major appliance industry—could face restrictions such as applying Executive Order 13873 to IoT devices, limits on federal procurement, and proposals for certification or labeling requirements.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Make supply-chain security law
This bill would turn Executive Order 13873 into federal law as of enactment. The Archivist would append the text of that Executive Order to the law when publishing it. Agencies and companies would use the new statute and appendix as the legal record for supply chain rules.
Study grid risks from smart devices
This bill would require the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress within 270 days. The report would study national security risks from foreign-controlled apps that can control high-wattage IoT devices. It would recommend fixes, such as applying EO 13873 to devices, blocking some federal buys, and creating labeling or certification for high-wattage devices.
Defines covered devices and apps
This bill would add legal definitions that decide what devices and apps the law covers. It would define a "covered entity" tied to a foreign adversary and a "foreign adversary-controlled application." It would define a "high-wattage IoT device" as any internet-connected device over 500 watts. These definitions would determine who faces future rules or limits.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Crenshaw
TX • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov