Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has introduced a bill aimed at protecting the reliability of the nation’s bulk-power system from what he describes as unnecessary federal regulations. The legislation, called the Reliable Power Act, directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in coordination with the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), to review any proposed regulations from other federal agencies that could impact bulk-power system reliability.
A similar measure has been introduced in the House by Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio.
“Arkansans need reliable bulk power systems to provide them with electricity to power their homes, schools, and businesses. My bill ensures unnecessary federal regulations don’t imperil our power systems’ reliability or raise costs on families,” Senator Cotton stated.
Under the provisions of the Reliable Power Act, FERC and ERO would be required to review new regulatory proposals affecting the bulk-power system under certain conditions. Agencies would not be allowed to finalize such actions until they have addressed any concerns raised by FERC during this review process.
