The Connect the Grid Act would bring the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) under federal regulatory oversight for the first time by removing its exemptions from the Federal Power Act. Currently, ERCOT operates as an independent grid in Texas without federal regulation, but this bill would subject it to the same rules as other electricity grid operators nationwide. The bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish minimum transmission capacity standards between ERCOT and its neighboring grids operated by SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection, with all new transmission facilities to be completed by January 1, 2035. The legislation increases borrowing authority for transmission infrastructure from $2.5 billion to $13.5 billion under the Transmission Facilitation Program and prioritizes building new transmission lines using grid-enhancing technology, existing rights-of-way, and degraded land while requiring community engagement, prevailing wages, and apprenticeship programs. The bill also directs the Department of Energy to study potential interconnections with Mexico's electrical system within one year.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.