Bill would tie transmission wire choices to what utilities can bill customers
Passed one chamberH.R. 6633Latest action
Sponsor: Julie Fedorchak · Representative · ND
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: High-Capacity Grid Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The High-Capacity Grid Act would let regulators favor cost recovery for utilities using the "best-available" transmission wire.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill directs FERC to set a standard for "best-available" high-voltage transmission conductor wire that carries more electricity efficiently and resists heat sagging. Utilities using this wire would generally get a favorable assumption for recovering costs through customer rates, while those using cheaper wire would face more scrutiny. FERC has 180 days to write detailed rules and must update the standard as technology improves.
Who does it affect?
This mainly affects large electric utilities building or upgrading federally regulated transmission lines, and indirectly affects electricity customers who often pay these costs through rates.
Why does it matter?
The change could push utilities toward more efficient wires, which supporters say may help the grid handle growing electricity demand, though it only applies to interstate transmission lines, not local distribution lines.
What does it cost, and who pays?
The bill affects how transmission wire costs are recovered through customer electricity rates, favoring recovery when utilities use best-available conductors and discouraging it for cheaper alternatives.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedDec 11, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.