This bill restricts the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's ability to use emergency powers to keep fossil fuel power plants operating. Currently, the commission can issue emergency orders under the Federal Power Act with minimal oversight, but this legislation would require the commission to hold public hearings, consider environmental impacts, analyze rate increases for customers, and consult with state and local agencies before issuing such orders. The bill also generally prohibits the commission from preventing power plant retirements unless a transmission organization certifies that an emergency cannot be addressed any other way, and it requires detailed public reporting on the costs and alternatives considered for any emergency order. The legislation affects electricity customers who may see rate increases from extended operation of aging fossil fuel plants, as well as utilities and power plant operators subject to stricter regulatory review. The bill imposes no new funding but requires utilities to notify customers within 60 days of any emergency order about its impacts and costs.
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