Sponsors (6)
The bill seeks to speed and expand federal support for transmission build-out to improve grid reliability and protect some ratepayers from unfair cost shifts, but it increases federal authority and potential costs and raises the risk of local siting conflicts and new compliance burdens.
Utilities, regional grid operators, and electricity customers could see fewer outages and lower congestion if the bill enables more transmission projects that meet the defined "improved reliability" standard.
Homeowners and other electricity customers are protected from being forced to pay for transmission upgrades that provide them no or trivial benefit because cost-allocation rules require costs be assigned to beneficiaries and bar involuntary charges.
Utilities — including those serving rural communities — could gain wider eligibility for federal financing and Department of Energy facilitation for transmission upgrades, potentially accelerating projects across more locations nationwide.
Private landowners (farmers, ranchers) and local communities could face faster federal permit approvals that increase the risk of locally unpopular transmission siting outcomes and disputes.
Taxpayers and electricity ratepayers could face greater federal spending exposure or upward pressure on rates if expanded federal financing and involvement increase costs over time.
Utilities newly brought under stronger FERC jurisdiction could incur additional compliance costs that are likely passed through to consumers as higher rates.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Rewrites section 216 of the Federal Power Act to change definitions, alter the Secretary of Energy's finding standard, and restructure timing and procedural rules for interstate transmission review.
Official title: To amend the Federal Power Act to streamline the siting of certain transmission facilities in the national interest.
Introduced September 26, 2025 by Scott Peters · Last progress September 26, 2025
Rewrites and narrows how federal transmission siting authority under section 216 of the Federal Power Act works by replacing definitions, changing when the Secretary of Energy must make a finding, modifying timing rules tied to state filings, and replacing multiple procedural paragraphs with new criteria. The changes prioritize specified reliability metrics, create a defined concept of “landowner input,” and restructure the Secretary’s authority and procedures for transmission project review and potential federal action.