Reliable Power Act
Summary
The Reliable Power Act mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review regulations that could impact the reliability of the bulk-power system. It requires the Energy Reliability Organization (ERO) to conduct annual long-term assessments of the bulk-power system's ability to supply sufficient electric energy. If the ERO identifies a potential generation inadequacy, it must notify FERC, which then informs relevant federal agencies like the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of federal regulations affecting power generation. Federal agencies will need to provide FERC with covered agency actions for review and comment, ensuring that these actions do not negatively impact the reliability of the power grid. The goal is to prevent energy supply shortfalls and maintain a stable and reliable power supply.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced reliability of the bulk-power system.
- Increased coordination between FERC and other federal agencies.
- Proactive identification of potential energy supply shortfalls.
- Greater transparency in the regulatory process affecting power generation.
- Potential for more informed decision-making regarding energy policy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in the implementation of new regulations due to the review process.
- Increased administrative burden on federal agencies.
- Possible conflicts between agencies with differing priorities (e.g., environmental protection vs. energy production).
- Risk of over-reliance on traditional generation resources if reliability concerns outweigh other considerations.
- Potential for increased costs associated with compliance and review processes.
Constitutional Alignment
The act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Because the bulk-power system involves the transmission of electricity across state lines, federal regulation of its reliability falls under this power. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).