H.R. 6177: Grid Research and Development Act

The Grid Research and Development Act aims to modernize and standardize the way data and information are reported to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by utilities and transmission organizations. This legislation includes several key components:

1. Update Reporting Procedures

The bill demands that FERC creates rules to enhance the reporting process. This includes:

• Ensuring that utilities provide comprehensive reports about energy projects, including details on project milestones, classification, location, costs, economic justifications, and capital structure.
• Requiring quarterly updates on interconnection queues and study models.
• Establishing standardized reporting formats to improve accuracy and reduce administrative burdens.

2. Content of Reports

The reports must include:

• Project lifecycle data, such as milestones and project classifications.
• Cost details, including original and actual expenses for new projects and maintenance, as well as economic justifications for these costs.
• Information on the project's capital structure and expected rates of return.
• Details on congestion-related costs and operational efficiencies within the system.

3. Centralized Data Repository

The legislation also calls for the development of a centralized data repository which will:

• Host all relevant data from utilities and transmission organizations in a publicly accessible format.
• Be searchable and user-friendly, providing visualization tools for data analysis.
• Facilitate third-party research and analysis by ensuring the data is available for public access and reporting.

4. Research and Analytics

The bill mandates the Secretary of Energy, in collaboration with FERC, to conduct research that assesses:

• The primary drivers of costs related to transmission and interconnection.
• The value that these investments bring to ratepayers, such as improved reliability and emissions reductions.
• Mechanisms for ratepayer affordability and potential system efficiency improvements through advanced technologies.

5. Interconnection Data Dashboard

Another significant feature of the bill is the creation of an Interconnection Data Dashboard, which will provide:

• Real-time data on interconnection processes, including application volumes and project timelines.
• Transparency in queue performance and other efficiency metrics that are important for stakeholders.

6. Public Accessibility and Data Protection

All data and information collected will be made publicly available while ensuring appropriate cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive information.

Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions for terms such as "Administrator," "Commission," "FERC Form No. 1," and others pertinent to the legislation, establishing clarity for implementation.

Relevant Companies

• NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.): This company could be significantly affected due to its substantial involvement in energy transmission and generation, which may lead to increased scrutiny and reporting requirements under the new regulations.
• DUK (Duke Energy Corporation): As a major utility provider, Duke Energy will likely need to comply with new reporting standards and transparency requirements regarding their transmission and interconnection projects.
• EXC (Exelon Corporation): This company may face changes in reporting practices and potential costs for data management in line with the new standards established by the bill.