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Requires state-regulated electric utilities that use integrated resource planning (IRP) to ensure they will have enough "reliable generation" for the next 10 years and directs state utility regulators to adopt or consider a standard and timelines to implement it (with limited exemptions). It defines "reliable generation facility" by operational and fuel-security criteria (including 30-day continuous operation capability, firm fuel or contracted supply, emergency and severe-weather operability, and ability to provide frequency/voltage support). Also directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress within one year on how well existing IRP practices (before a new PURPA provision is implemented) ensure adequate reliable generation, reliability, stability, and affordability for consumers, using key terms as defined in existing PURPA law.
Add a new standard (paragraph (22)) to section 111(d) of PURPA requiring each State-regulated electric utility that uses integrated resource planning to establish measures, as part of that planning, sufficient to ensure the reliable availability of electric energy over a 10-year period by either (i) maintaining operation of reliable generation facilities or (ii) procuring energy from reliable generation facilities.
Defines “reliable generation facility” as an electric generation facility that ensures reliable availability of electric energy by meeting all of the following: (i) operational characteristics to generate continuously for not fewer than 30 days; (ii) either (I) adequate fuel or a continuously available energy source on-site to enable 30 days of continuous generation, or (II) contractual obligations that ensure adequate fuel supply to enable 30 days of continuous generation; (iii) operational characteristics to enable generation during emergency and severe weather conditions; and (iv) providing essential services related to reliable availability, including frequency support and voltage support.
Require each State regulatory authority (for each State-regulated electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority) to commence consideration under section 111, or set a hearing date for consideration, of the new paragraph (22) standard not later than 1 year after the date of enactment.
Require each State regulatory authority (for each State-regulated electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority) to complete consideration and make the determination under section 111 with respect to the paragraph (22) standard not later than 2 years after the date of enactment.
Amend subsection (c) of Section 112 by (i) striking “subsection (b)(2)” and inserting “subsection (b)”, and (ii) inserting after ; and (text) (text of the insertion is added to update cross-references).
Primary effects fall on state public utility commissions and state-regulated electric utilities that use integrated resource planning. Commissions must review or adopt a reliability standard and determine whether existing state rules qualify for an exemption; that review may require staff time, rulemaking dockets, and formal orders. Utilities may need to alter procurement plans, secure longer-term fuel contracts, maintain on-site fuel, invest in resources capable of 30-day operation, or ensure dispatchable capacity and grid-support capabilities; these actions can lead to increased near-term costs or contract activity. Owners and operators of generation resources could see new demand for resources that meet the statutory reliability definition (e.g., fuel-secure thermal units, storage with fuel-like dispatch, or firm contracted generation). Consumers may benefit from improved longer-term reliability but could face higher rates if utilities recover the cost of additional capacity, fuel security measures, or investments through rates. The GAO report will inform Congress about gaps in IRP-based reliability before a related PURPA change is implemented; it may prompt further federal or state policy changes. Because the measure requires states to act without providing federal funding, it functions as an unfunded mandate on state regulators and utilities, which could raise administrative and implementation costs borne at the state or utility level. States with comparable standards or recent relevant actions are explicitly exempted, reducing duplicative regulation for those jurisdictions.
3 meetings related to this legislation
Updated 2 days ago
Last progress May 1, 2025 (8 months ago)
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Last progress December 10, 2025 (1 month ago)
Last progress December 15, 2025 (1 month ago)
Introduced on May 29, 2025 by Gabe Evans
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.