The Reliable Power Act amends federal power regulations to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) a new role in reviewing regulations from other federal agencies that could affect the nation's electrical grid. The bill requires FERC to monitor whether the bulk power system has adequate generation resources and, if it determines there is a shortage risk, to notify other federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. Once notified, those agencies must submit any regulations affecting power generation to FERC for review and comment before finalizing them, and FERC can recommend changes to prevent harm to grid reliability. Federal agencies cannot finalize their regulations until they respond in writing to FERC's concerns and FERC determines the rule won't significantly harm the grid's ability to supply electricity. The legislation essentially gives FERC veto power over regulations from other agencies when the grid faces potential shortages, with all comments and responses made public.
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