Sponsor
Cynthia M. Lummis
Senator · R-WY
Senator · R-WY
The bill centralizes review of very large electricity interconnections under FERC to improve grid reliability and fair access, but it increases federal oversight that can impose compliance costs, potential ratepayer/taxpayer burdens, and project delays.
Utilities, large electricity customers, and grid operators will be subject to a clear federal threshold and standardized FERC interconnection procedures for loads ≥100 MW, reducing negotiation time and uncertainty for large interconnections within 18 months.
Large electricity loads (≥100 MW) will be brought under federal review so the bulk-power system can better avoid disruptive additions and protect overall grid reliability.
Treating large-load interconnections as part of open-access transmission will reduce discriminatory treatment and improve fair access to transmission capacity for competing customers and market participants.
Owners/operators of facilities meeting the ≥100 MW threshold will face new federal regulation and compliance costs for interconnection that previously were handled at state or local levels.
Federal review and additional studies or required upgrades could shift costs onto ratepayers or taxpayers if system reinforcements or compliance expenditures are allocated to customers or public budgets.
Bringing large-load interconnections under federal review may delay project timelines and local development decisions, creating timing uncertainty for local governments, developers, and utilities even though state siting authority remains.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Grants FERC jurisdiction over interconnection of facilities with projected peak demand ≥100 MW, requires standardized interconnection rules within 18 months, and preserves state/local siting authority.
Official title: Clarify that the interconnection of large load facilities directly to facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce is a matter within the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Introduced June 17, 2026 by Cynthia M. Lummis · Last progress June 17, 2026
Grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) clear jurisdiction over the interconnection of very large electricity loads (projects or grouped facilities with projected peak demand of 100 megawatts or more) to transmission lines used in interstate commerce. It requires FERC to issue, within 18 months of enactment, standardized interconnection procedures and agreements (including hybrid load-plus-generation setups), allows FERC to adjust the 100 MW threshold by rule to protect bulk-power reliability, and preserves state and local authority over siting, permitting, retail service/rates, local distribution, and generation.