Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act
Sponsored By: Senator Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced
Summary
Basic Access Service for energy-only delivery would create a federal, standards-based interconnection option for generating facilities. It sets required study steps, timelines, interconnection rights, operational limits, and a transition path to other interconnection service types.
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- Generators and developers: Interconnection customers would get a formal evaluation that identifies the maximum injection a site can accommodate without upgrades and any upgrades needed to increase injection. They could accept the base level or elect an approved higher level and the evaluation must be completed within 1 year.
- Regional transmission organizations and independent system operators: RTOs and ISOs would have to file tariff revisions to offer this service within 180 days and follow new study procedures and timelines. The Commission may grant a one-time 180-day extension for good cause.
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: The Commission would have 180 days to accept or fix tariff filings and 18 months to revise the pro forma open access tariff to integrate the basic access service.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Timelines for grid tariff changes
If enacted, each RTO and ISO would have to file tariff changes to offer basic access within 180 days after enactment, with a one-time Commission extension of up to 180 days for good cause. FERC would have to act on those tariff filings within 180 days of filing and could revise timelines in the proposals. The Commission would also have to update the model open access tariff within 18 months after enactment to include basic access standards and transparency rules. FERC would have to rule on complaints about noncompliance within 180 days after a complaint is filed.
Energy-only interconnection for developers
If enacted, developers would get a new basic access service for energy-only delivery. RTOs and ISOs would have to offer that service starting one year after enactment if they file required tariff changes on time. The required technical evaluation would be finished within one year of a request and would identify the maximum injection allowed without upgrades, any upgrades needed for higher output, and assumed operating limits. An interconnection customer could use the identified level without paying for upgrades meant only to increase deliverability, but the resource could be curtailed for congestion and could face operating limits. Projects could later switch to other interconnection services and keep operating under basic access until the new service begins.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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