What does Preamble of Connect the Grid Act of 2026 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) to neighboring entities. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 3, 2026, by Mr. Markey and Mr. Merkley.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Connect the Grid Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Connect the Grid Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Connect the Grid Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key 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 section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. The “Commission” is defined as 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 facing disproportionate environmental or health risks. “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.

What does JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO ERCOT. of Connect the Grid Act of 2026 do?

This section amends several sections of the Federal Power Act related to ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas). Section 201(b)(2) of the Federal Power Act is amended to modify references to section 201(f) and expand the scope of exemptions under subsection (f). Section 201(e) of the Federal Power Act is amended to remove references to sections 210, 211, 211A, and 212. Subsections (k) of Sections 212, 216, and 220 of the Federal Power Act are repealed. Subsection (h) of Section 217 of the Federal Power Act is struck, and subsections (i) through (k) are redesignated as (h) through (j). The Commission is required to convene a technical conference within 180 days of the Act's enactment to assist entities affected by the amendments with compliance.

What does ELECTRIC RELIABILITY. of Connect the Grid Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 215 of the Federal Power Act to limit the construction of new generation capacity. The Commission is directed to order the Electric Reliability Organization to submit a proposed reliability standard within 30 days of enactment, establishing minimum total transfer capabilities between ERCOT and SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection. The standard requires ERCOT and neighboring authorities to jointly submit a plan within one year for siting and constructing or modifying transmission facilities to achieve the specified transfer capabilities, with completion by January 1, 2035. The plan prioritization includes grid-enhancing technologies, existing rights-of-way, degraded land, renewable energy access, and community involvement, including environmental justice and Tribal communities. Projects complying with the reliability standard are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. The Commission retains authority to require interregional transfers beyond those specifically listed. The Secretary of Energy is directed to consider designating areas with transmission facilities constructed under this section as national interest electric transmission corridors.

What does INCREASED BORROWING AUTHORITY UNDER THE TRANSMISSION of Connect the Grid Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 40106(d)(2) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The amendment modifies the borrowing authority under the Transmission Facilitation Program. The borrowing authority is increased from $2,500,000,000 to $13,500,000,000.

What does STUDY AND REPORT ON BENEFITS OF INTERCONNECTION WITH MEXICO. of Connect the Grid Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress. The study must assess the reliability, climate, and cost benefits of interconnecting electric facilities in the United States with facilities in Mexico. The report should also identify the siting and construction or modification of facilities that would provide the most cumulative benefits.

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Connect the Grid Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/3/2026 · Introduced: 3/3/2026

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to modify ERCOT's jurisdiction and compliance requirements, including repealing certain subsections and convening a technical conference to assist with implementation.
The bill directs the Electric Reliability Organization to establish reliability standards requiring increased transmission capabilities between ERCOT and neighboring grids, and mandates a joint plan for construction or modification of transmission facilities to achieve these capabilities by 2035, prioritizing grid-enhancing technologies and community involvement.
The bill increases the borrowing authority for the Transmission Facilitation Program from $2.5 billion to $13.5 billion to support transmission projects and requires a study on the potential benefits of interconnecting the U.S. electric grid with Mexico.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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

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