What does Preamble of S 3947 do?

This bill proposes to amend the Federal Power Act. The amendment aims to establish a categorical exclusion for reconductoring within existing rights-of-way. The bill is introduced to address purposes beyond the categorical exclusion.

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 3947 do?

This bill is formally titled the Reconductoring Existing Wires for Infrastructure Reliability and Expansion Act, also known as the REWIRE Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 3947 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Advanced transmission conductor” is defined as a conductor with specific electrical resistance, energy carrying capacity, and thermal expansion properties. “Bulk-power system,” “Commission,” “Electric Reliability Organization,” “Electric utility,” “Independent System Operator,” “Regional Transmission Organization,” and “State regulatory authority” are defined by reference to sections of the Federal Power Act. “Effective load carrying capability” (ELCC) measures a generating resource’s ability to produce electricity when needed, using metrics like LOLE or EUE. “Grid-enhancing technology” refers to hardware or software that increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission facilities. “Integrated resource planning” involves modeling long-term electricity demands and evaluating combinations of generation resources. “Loss of load expectation” (LOLE) represents the expected number of days per year that generation capacity is less than system load. “Planning reserve margin” is calculated as the difference between deliverable capacity and net demand, expressed as a percentage. “Power grid” is defined as the portion of an Interconnection located within the United States. “Probabilistic modeling” uses statistics to simulate and quantify the likelihood of achieving desired metrics.

What does CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR RECONDUCTORING. of S 3947 do?

This section amends the Federal Power Act to establish a categorical exclusion from environmental assessment or impact statement requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act. The categorical exclusion applies to activities that increase the electric grid's capacity within existing rights-of-way or on previously disturbed or developed land. Covered activities include repair, maintenance, replacement, upgrade, modification, optimization, or minor relocation of existing electric transmission or distribution facilities. The definition of 'previously disturbed or developed' refers to the definition in 10 CFR 1021.102(g)(1).

What does RETURN ON EQUITY FOR ADVANCED TRANSMISSION CONDUCTORS. of S 3947 do?

This section amends Section 219 of the Federal Power Act. It modifies subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of Section 219. It adds a new subsection (e) concerning advanced transmission conductors. The Commission is required to promulgate new or revise existing rules to improve the return on equity for investments in advanced transmission conductors within one year of the REWIRE Act's enactment. The Commission must ensure that rates approved under these rules are just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory or preferential.

What does STATE ENERGY PROGRAMS. of S 3947 do?

This section amends Section 362(c)(7)(B) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The amendment inserts language regarding reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies. Reconductoring is defined as using 'advanced transmission conductors' as defined in section 2 of the REWIRE Act. Grid-enhancing technologies are also defined in section 2 of the REWIRE Act.

What does NATIONAL LABORATORY MODELING AND EVALUATION PROGRAM. of S 3947 do?

This section establishes a National Laboratory Modeling and Evaluation Program to model and evaluate the performance of the electric grid. The Secretary, through National Laboratories, will develop probabilistic models for transmission planning, resource adequacy, and integrated resource planning. These models must consider factors like transmission system uncertainties, weather impacts, congestion, and the costs of transmission infrastructure upgrades. The models are intended to be used to simulate metrics relevant to transmission planning and resource portfolio optimization. The Secretary will identify parameters impacting simulated metrics and areas where advanced transmission technologies can improve grid performance. The program will establish regional collaboratives between National Laboratories and institutions of higher education. Priority will be given to regional collaboratives involving institutions with existing demonstration or laboratory capabilities and those focused on rural grid planning models.

What does TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RELATING TO THE USE OF ADVANCED of S 3947 do?

This section establishes definitions for 'developer' and 'eligible entity' related to advanced transmission conductors and grid-enhancing technologies. The Secretary is required to create an application guide for eligible entities seeking to implement advanced transmission conductors and grid-enhancing technologies within one year of the Act's enactment. The application guide must be reviewed and updated annually. The Secretary will provide technical assistance to eligible entities upon request, concerning the use of advanced transmission conductors and grid-enhancing technologies. A clearinghouse of previously completed projects will be established to identify issues and solutions related to advanced transmission conductors, reconductoring, and grid-enhancing technologies.

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REWIRE Act — S. 3947

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

Author: David McCormick (R-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill streamlines the process for upgrading electric grid infrastructure by establishing a categorical exclusion from certain environmental reviews for reconductoring projects within existing rights-of-way or on previously disturbed land.
The bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to improve the return on equity for investments in advanced transmission conductors to incentivize grid modernization.
It expands state energy program eligibility to include projects utilizing advanced transmission conductors and grid-enhancing technologies.
The bill establishes a National Laboratory Modeling and Evaluation Program to develop probabilistic models for transmission planning and resource adequacy, considering factors like weather and congestion.
The bill requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and create a clearinghouse for projects implementing advanced transmission conductors and grid-enhancing technologies.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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