WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) today introduced the Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act, which would make it easier for the U.S. to advance clean energy projects, strengthen the electric grid, and lower energy costs for consumers by improving cost allocation. 

“The green energy revolution can be ours, but we need to do more to incentivize and support the buildout of our electric grid to get there. Increasing transmission infrastructure will allow our economy to electrify and bring renewable energy online. Vermont and many of its neighboring states have strong emission reduction goals—this smart bill will help strengthen our energy grid while preparing it for the next phase of energy production.  It’s a win-win,” said Sen. Welch. 

The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to set rules for allocating the cost of building interstate and offshore transmission infrastructure based on reliability, resiliency, and environmental benefits they receive from new transmission infrastructure construction or upgrades.  

Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives: 

“The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act will pave the way for the U.S. to build new transmission projects aimed at expanding the reach of clean, cheap energy sources like wind and solar. Building more transmission lines allows new clean energy resources to come online, reduces congestion on the electricity grid, and allows cheap electricity to flow quickly to where it’s needed. As the nation works to lower greenhouse gas emissions and bolster grid resilience in the face of extreme weather events, Congress must act to make it easier to build transmission lines. This bill aims to do just that,” said Rep. Castor. 

Read the bill here.

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