Sponsors (2)
This bill commits large, sustained federal funding and technical help to harden the grid and reduce wildfire risk—improving reliability and creating jobs—but requires steep local matching, has complex requirements that may disadvantage small utilities, and increases federal spending obligations.
Utilities and communities nationwide receive $15 billion per year (FY2027–2036) to strengthen the electric grid and reduce wildfire risk, supporting infrastructure projects and related jobs for utility workers and contractors.
Residents in rural and urban communities gain improved grid reliability and reduced wildfire risk through funded equipment upgrades, undergrounding, and expanded monitoring systems.
Smaller utilities (≤4,000,000 MWh/yr) are guaranteed at least 20% of program funds, increasing resources available to rural or small-system operators that otherwise struggle to compete for federal grants.
Utilities awarded grants must provide matching funds equal to 100% of the grant, which risks straining utility budgets and could lead to higher rates for customers or deferred projects if matches are unaffordable.
Complex application, planning, and reporting requirements (wildfire plans, reliability reports) may deter or overwhelm smaller utilities and rural providers, limiting their ability to access set‑aside funds.
The large federal outlay ($15 billion per year) increases federal spending commitments and could crowd out other priorities or lead to increased taxpayer obligations over time.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes a DOE Office of Electricity grant program to fund utility projects that reduce power‑line wildfire risk and improve grid reliability, including undergrounding and monitoring.
Official title: Require the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to improve the reliability of the power grid and reduce the risk of wildfires caused by power lines, and for other purposes.
Introduced March 25, 2026 by Ronald Lee Wyden · Last progress March 25, 2026
Creates a DOE Office of Electricity grant program to fund projects that reduce the risk that power lines will spark wildfires and to improve power‑grid reliability and resilience. Grants (to utilities and federal utility entities) fund activities such as undergrounding lines, vegetation management, fire‑resistant equipment, monitoring and detection systems, microgrids and storage, and seismic hardening; applicants must submit mitigation plans or reliability reports and the program sets prioritization, set‑asides, matching, and percentage targets for wildfire‑risk projects.