Delaware County Review

Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) introduced new legislation aimed at improving the reliability of the electric grid by fast-tracking certain power generation projects. The Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable (GRID) Power Act would allow these projects to bypass the interconnection queue, which has seen wait times extend up to five years.

“Our interconnection queue is buckling under its own weight,” said Balderson. “Transmission providers are tasked with ensuring we have enough electricity to keep the lights on, but the growing backlog of projects is adding years to an already time-consuming process. This legislation would give grid operators the authority to identify and expedite the consideration of essential projects that will protect our grid’s reliability and provide the power needed to meet America’s growing demand.”

The interconnection queue has been inundated with renewable energy projects encouraged by subsidies from the Biden-Harris Administration. These projects now make up 97% of all proposals in the queue but cannot be dispatched quickly to meet immediate energy needs. With rising power demand, there is a need for more dispatchable baseload energy to prevent blackouts and shortages.

New federal rules, such as the Clean Power Plan 2.0, are hastening the retirement of power plants that currently supply much of America's baseload power. The GRID Power Act aims to bring more baseload power generation online swiftly, ensuring long-term stability for the electric grid.

“EPSA commends Congressman Balderson for his continued leadership on electric grid reliability,” said Todd Snitcher, President & CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA). “EPSA is a staunch supporter of the benefits of competitive markets; however, no economic model or structure can overcome inefficiencies in the interconnection process that can significantly delay critical investment in new dispatchable generation. This legislation appropriately creates a process that recognizes when reliability concerns require that certain investments be prioritized in the interconnection queue. The proposal is designed to recognize when reliability may be at risk and respond in a prudent and targeted manner. EPSA thanks Congressman Balderson and looks forward to supporting this effort.”

American Electric Power (AEP) also voiced support: “Demand for electricity is growing at a pace our nation hasn’t seen in decades,” AEP stated. “AEP alone has requests from large customers that would more than double the peak demand we serve on our system today. Ensuring we are able to reliably serve new and existing customers will require us to rapidly expand our power generation fleet and grid capabilities. AEP supports Rep. Balderson’s efforts to improve and streamline the generator interconnection process.”

Rob Brundrett, President of Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA), expressed similar sentiments: “OOGA stands with Congressman Balderson as he works to bring common sense solutions to a real problem facing Ohio and the rest of PJM footprint,” Brundrett said. “Queue reform is important to energy producers and consumers alike by prioritizing abundant, reliable, and easily dispatchable energy such as natural gas.”

Ryan Augsburger, President of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), added: “As debate over generation adequacy continues within 13-state grid region served by PJM Interconnection, Ohio manufacturers believe competitive markets will best respond to future load growth and demand.” Augsburger continued, “OMA supports queue reform to more quickly and efficiently interconnect generating resources to grid. Representative Balderson’s bill is a good first step toward reform.”

The GRID Power Act directs FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) to develop rules allowing Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) to "fast-track" critical projects for grid reliability by bypassing lengthy wait times in the interconnection queue.

Grid operators must still conduct feasibility studies before signing an agreement under this bill while promoting transparency through public comments and regular reports on grid reliability.

FERC would review "fast-track" proposals within 60 days under this act potentially reducing approval time from years down to 12 months with rulemaking starting within 90 days after enactment finalizing within 180 days.

Full text of GRID Power Act can be found HERE.

###