Reliable Power Act
Summary
The Reliable Power Act mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review regulations affecting 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. The ERO must also notify FERC if the system is at risk of generation inadequacy.
Upon notification, FERC must inform relevant federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. These agencies must then submit any 'covered agency action' (regulations affecting generation resources) to FERC for review and comment.
FERC, in consultation with the ERO, will provide comments and recommendations to the agency, which must respond and modify the action if necessary to ensure grid reliability. This aims to prevent regulations from negatively impacting the power supply.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of federal regulations that could impact the electric grid's reliability. It could result in modifications to proposed regulations from various agencies to ensure a stable power supply. The act also empowers FERC to play a more active role in ensuring the reliability of the bulk-power system.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced grid reliability through proactive assessment and regulatory review.
- Improved coordination between FERC and other federal agencies on energy-related regulations.
- Increased transparency through public availability of comments and responses regarding covered agency actions.
- Potential for more informed decision-making by federal agencies regarding regulations affecting the power grid.
- Mitigation of risks associated with future electric energy supply shortfalls.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in the implementation of new regulations due to the review process.
- Possible conflicts between agencies regarding the interpretation of 'significant negative impact' on grid reliability.
- Increased administrative burden on federal agencies required to submit regulations for review.
- Risk of regulatory capture if FERC's review process is unduly influenced by specific industry interests.
- Possible chilling effect on the development of new environmental regulations if agencies fear rejection by FERC.
Constitutional Alignment
This 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. The regulation of the bulk-power system, which often crosses state lines, falls under this purview.
Furthermore, the act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. The Act focuses on inter-agency coordination and regulatory review, which are within the powers granted to Congress and the Executive branch.
However, the delegation of authority to FERC and the ERO must be balanced with appropriate oversight to prevent potential abuses of power.
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).