§17390 Voluntary Model Pathways

Summary

Start within 90 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary of Energy must begin making voluntary model pathways to help modernize the electric grid. The work will be a public‑private effort that creates adaptable policy options for states and regions. The pathways must help update the grid and its communications so it is dependable, resilient, affordable, safe, and protected, and they must respect different state and regional priorities, systems, and rate rules. The pathways should, as much as possible, advance goals like near real‑time system awareness, data visualization, advanced monitoring and control, clearer investment signals, more innovation, greater consumer choice, stronger reliability and resilience, better use and integration of distributed energy, improved interoperability and forecasting, lower costs for consumers, and more diverse energy sources. Within the same 90‑day period, the Secretary must set up a steering committee of appointed experts from government, industry, national labs, universities, and research groups (including FERC, National Laboratories, state officials and regulators, transmission organizations, utilities, and others) to help develop the pathways. The Secretary may also provide technical help to States, Indian Tribes, or local governments to adopt or pilot parts of the pathways.