What does Preamble of Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026 do?

This bill amends the Federal Power Act. It requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a final rule. The final rule pertains to the interconnection of large load facilities with the transmission system.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026 do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the United States' role as a global leader in science, technology, and innovation. It acknowledges that artificial intelligence requires significant computing resources. The section highlights challenges to grid resource adequacy and reliability due to increasing load growth from data centers and other factors. It suggests that responsible investments in energy infrastructure can strengthen energy security and ensure sustainability. Rising electricity prices and potential rate increases for ratepayers are noted as consequences of network upgrades and new infrastructure needs. The proliferation of large load facilities, like data centers, is identified as a concern for the interstate transmission system's reliability and affordability of electricity. Congress believes it is necessary to address this proliferation and provide direction to the Commission and the Department.

What does MANAGEMENT OF LARGE LOAD FACILITIES. of Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Federal Power Act to add provisions regarding the management of large load facilities. It defines terms such as 'colocated,' 'Commission,' 'curtailable,' 'demand flexibility,' 'large load customer,' and 'large load facility,' which are key to understanding the section's scope. The Commission is required to establish standard interconnection procedures for large loads within one year of enactment. These procedures include requirements for interconnection study costs, network upgrades, reliability standards, and criteria for interconnection approval. Large load customers must demonstrate demand flexibility and be curtailable to be approved for interconnection. Priority within load interconnection queues is given to those with battery backup systems. The Secretary of Energy must establish a data-center-scale artificial intelligence testbed at a National Laboratory and submit a report to Congress and the Commission assessing various aspects of artificial intelligence and its impact on the grid. The report should include recommendations for improving load forecasting, ensuring consistent screening criteria for interconnection requests, and promoting energy-efficient artificial intelligence technologies.

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Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/18/2026 · Introduced: 5/18/2026

Author: Adam Schiff (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish standard interconnection procedures for large load facilities, including requirements for cost responsibility and reliability standards.
Large load customers seeking interconnection must demonstrate demand flexibility and curtailment capabilities, with priority given to those utilizing battery backup systems.
The Secretary of Energy must create a data-center-scale artificial intelligence testbed and report to Congress and FERC on the impact of artificial intelligence on the electric grid, including recommendations for improving forecasting and promoting energy efficiency.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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