2025 first_quarter Filing

Discussed support for increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in fiscal year 2026 (no legislation).

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed the implementation of Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed draft language to not require licensees to obtain approval for non-substantive alterations or additions at hydropower facilities, routine maintenance, or replacement of hydropower projects that are in response to circumstances beyond their reasonable control. (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed energy tax credits for hydropower (no legislation). Discussed concerns with Form EIA-112, Residential Utility Disconnections Survey (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities, and support for amendments 58 and 45 that would exempt Federal Power Act section 201(f) entities from sections 401 and 402 of the legislation. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed interconnection queue reform efforts (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed concerns with transmission affordability and rising transmission costs, and support for policies, such as joint ownership and eliminating unnecessary incentives, that would reduce transmission costs (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed the potential impact of federal funding freezes (no legislation). Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort.