Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young from Indiana and John Hoeven from North Dakota have introduced the Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable (GRID) Power Act. The legislation aims to expedite the development of new baseload power generation projects, thereby enhancing the reliability of the electrical grid.

Senator Young expressed concern over "bureaucratic delays" that are hindering essential power projects, which he believes threaten the reliability of the electric grid. He stated, "We need to cut through red tape to get more power online faster. This bill will strengthen our grid to promote American energy independence and drive economic growth—especially in states like Indiana, where reliable energy is vital to jobs and Hoosier workers."

Senator Hoeven criticized policies under previous administrations for undermining grid reliability. He noted, "The reliability of the electric grid has been undermined for years by Green New Deal policies advanced under the Obama and Biden administrations." According to him, these policies led to an unstable grid with more frequent power shortages. The proposed legislation would empower grid operators by prioritizing baseload power generation projects for approval.

The GRID Power Act directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to create rules allowing regional grid operators to prioritize baseload generation projects in their interconnection agreement queue. As reported in 2023, projects typically face a five-year wait time before studies begin on their feasibility and impact on systems. FERC is required by this act to establish this process within 90 days after enactment and finalize it within 180 days.

Moreover, a 60-day timeline would be set for FERC's action on prioritized baseload generation projects. This provision addresses gaps created by recent administrative rules like Clean Power Plan 2.0 that have hastened plant retirements.

Congressman Troy Balderson has introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

The full text of the Senate’s GRID Power Act is available for public viewing.