HR 6779 Introduced – Transformer Resilience

Earlier this month, Rep Lamb (D,PA) introduced HR 6779, the Grid Resilience and Infrastructure Depot (GRID) Act of 2022. The bill would require DOE to establish a program to build a reserve of large transformers and other critical electric-grid equipment in order to be able to “restore electric grid function rapidly in the event of severe damage to the electric grid”. The bill would authorize $75 million per year through FY 2026 for the program.

Moving Forward

Neither Lamb, nor his sole cosponsor {Rep Gonzalez (R,OH)}, are members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to which this bill was assigned for consideration. This means that the bill is unlikely to be considered in that Committee. Other than the funding, the only issue with this bill that might engender organized opposition would be the prevailing wage provisions that routinely draw significant Republican opposition. If the bill were considered in Committee, it would probably pass with some minor bipartisan support.

Bills Introduced – 2-18-22

Yesterday, with the House meeting in pro forma session, there were 62 bills introduced. One of those bills will receive additional coverage in this blog:

HR 6779 To direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to reduce the vulnerability of the electric grid to physical attack, cyber attack, and other events, including by ensuring that large power transformers and other critical electric grid equipment are strategically located to ensure timely replacement of such equipment as may be necessary, and for other purposes. Rep. Lamb, Conor [D-PA-17]