State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act
Summary
The "State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act" amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. It mandates that states employing integrated resource planning must ensure the reliable availability of electric energy over a 10-year period. This is to be achieved through maintaining or procuring energy from reliable generation facilities.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to states prioritizing energy sources capable of continuous operation for extended periods. This could shift investment towards specific types of power plants or energy storage solutions. It also requires a GAO report on the effectiveness of prior integrated resource planning.
Potential Benefits
- Increased reliability of electric energy supply.
- Potential for more resilient energy infrastructure.
- Encourages states to plan for long-term energy needs.
- Promotes investment in reliable generation facilities.
- GAO report provides insights into past planning effectiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased energy costs if reliable generation is more expensive.
- May limit flexibility in adopting newer, potentially less reliable technologies.
- Possible conflicts with state-level renewable energy goals if reliable generation relies on fossil fuels.
- Compliance costs for state regulatory authorities.
- The definition of 'reliable generation facility' might be too restrictive or favor certain energy sources.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) as it regulates interstate commerce by ensuring the reliability of the electric grid. It also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) by promoting the well-being of citizens through a stable energy supply. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this act could be seen as potentially infringing on state authority over energy regulation, although the federal government has a clear interest in interstate commerce.
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).