Fairfield Reporter

Two legislative measures spearheaded by Congressman Troy Balderson have gained approval from the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Reliable Power Act and the GRID Power Act are designed to enhance the reliability of America's electric grid while maintaining affordable electricity costs.

Balderson emphasized the importance of dependable electricity, stating, "As one of the most resource-rich nations on the planet, it's easy to take dependable electricity for granted—but our grid's reliability is far from guaranteed." He highlighted that these acts would help regulators ensure reliable power for Ohio families.

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie supported the legislation, saying it will secure the grid and meet energy goals. "The legislation advanced today will help us meet our energy goals of securing our grid, bringing more baseload power online," he said.

The Reliable Power Act requires federal agencies to evaluate regulations impacting grid stability before finalization. If a regulation poses a risk, coordination with relevant agencies is mandated to mitigate impacts. The GRID Power Act addresses delays in energy interconnection due to projects seeking green energy credits. It allows operators to fast-track dispatchable power projects.

Senators John Hoeven and Todd Young have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. PJM, a major grid operator, anticipates losing significant generation capacity by 2030, highlighting the urgency for new resources.

These bills aim to provide tools for operators to improve grid reliability and reduce project wait times significantly.