What does Preamble of HR 7728 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To interconnect the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to its neighbors, and for other purposes,' aims to interconnect the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) with neighboring entities. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 26, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7728 do?

This bill is formally titled the Connect the Grid Act.

What does JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO ERCOT. of HR 7728 do?

This section amends the Federal Power Act concerning jurisdiction related to ERCOT. Section 201(b)(2) of the Federal Power Act is amended to modify the definition of an entity exempt under section 201(f). Section 201(e) of the Federal Power Act is amended. Sections 212, 216, 217, and 220 of the Federal Power Act are amended by striking subsections (k), (k), (h), and (f) respectively. The Commission is required to convene a technical conference within six months of the Act's enactment to assist entities affected by the amendments with compliance.

What does ELECTRIC RELIABILITY. of HR 7728 do?

This section amends Section 215 of the Federal Power Act to focus on constructing new generation capacity and removes references to transmission. The Commission is directed to order the Electric Reliability Organization to submit a proposed reliability standard within 30 days of enactment. This standard requires minimum total transfer capabilities between ERCOT and SPP (4.3-12.6 GW), ERCOT and MISO (2.5-16.2 GW), and ERCOT and the Western Interconnection (2.6-7.9 GW). Entities like ERCOT and SPP must jointly submit a plan within one year of enactment to achieve these transfer capabilities, designating entities for facility siting and construction. The plan must include a timeline for completion, aiming for project completion by January 1, 2037. The plan prioritizes grid-enhancing technologies, existing rights-of-ways, degraded land use, renewable energy access, and community involvement. Community involvement must include outreach to environmental justice communities, Tribal and Indigenous Communities, Tribal Governments, and labor organizations. Projects complying with the reliability standard are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. The Secretary of Energy is directed to consider designating areas with transmission facilities built under this section as national interest electric transmission corridors.

What does INCREASED BORROWING AUTHORITY UNDER THE TRANSMISSION of HR 7728 do?

This section amends Section 40106(d)(2) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The amendment changes the borrowing authority under the Transmission Facilitation Program.

What does STUDY ON BENEFITS OF INTERCONNECTION WITH MEXICO. of HR 7728 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study on the benefits of interconnecting electric energy facilities with Mexico. The study must be submitted to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment. The report should address the reliability, climate, and cost benefits of such interconnection. The study should also consider the siting and construction, or modification, of facilities to maximize cumulative benefits.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 7728 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Abandoned mine land” is defined as land, water, or a watershed contaminated or scarred by ore or mineral extraction, excluding coal. “Brownfield site” has the meaning defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. The “Commission” refers to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. An “environmental justice community” is defined as one with significant representation of communities of color, low-income communities, or Tribal and Indigenous communities experiencing or at risk of adverse health or environmental effects. “Grid-enhancing technology” is defined as a solution that increases the transfer capability of high-voltage transmission facilities. “Tribal and Indigenous community” includes members of federally or state-recognized tribes, Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian communities, or other Indigenous communities. “Western Interconnection” refers to the synchronously operated electric transmission grid in the western part of North America.

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Connect the Grid Act — HR. 7728

Last updated: 2/26/2026 · Introduced: 2/26/2026

Author: Greg Casar (D-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to modify jurisdiction related to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and remove specific subsections.
The bill directs the Electric Reliability Organization to establish reliability standards requiring minimum transfer capabilities between ERCOT and neighboring grids (SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection), and mandates a joint plan from ERCOT and SPP to achieve these capabilities by 2037, prioritizing grid-enhancing technologies and community involvement.
The Secretary of Energy must conduct a study on the benefits of interconnecting electric energy facilities with Mexico, addressing reliability, climate, and cost benefits, and submit the findings to Congress within one year.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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