U.S. Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Scott Peters (D-CA) are set to reintroduce the Streamlining Powerlines Essential to Electric Demand (SPEED) and Reliability Act. The bill aims to accelerate the permitting process for electric transmission lines, which transport energy from generation sites to areas of need. Supporters argue that faster approvals will help lower consumer costs and prevent blackouts.
“AI data centers and advanced manufacturing are at the core of America’s economic future, but they can’t run without reliable, affordable power. The SPEED and Reliability Act cuts red tape and builds the transmission lines we need to lower costs and ensures we stay ahead of China in the race for AI,” said Rep. Barr.
“We cannot wait a decade plus for individual transmission lines to be approved if we don’t want to fall behind China and our adversaries,” said Rep. Peters. “This bill will lower costs for consumers, improve reliability, and help secure America’s energy independence.”
Currently, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversee a program intended to designate corridors for major transmission projects under the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) framework. However, this process has not resulted in any completed projects due to opposition against corridor-based planning.
The SPEED and Reliability Act proposes changes by removing DOE’s authority to designate these corridors, instead centralizing environmental reviews with FERC. The bill also introduces measures designed to protect customers, benefit local communities, and respect state authority.
Specifically, the legislation would:
– Remove DOE’s ability to designate broad NIETCs.
– Allow FERC to issue permits for individual national interest transmission lines aimed at reducing grid congestion and improving reliability.
– Include safeguards such as allocating costs only to benefiting customers using specific criteria.
– Ensure states have at least one year to respond before FERC approval is sought.
– Prioritize use of existing rights-of-way and advanced conductors.
– Require FERC engagement with states, tribes, and private property owners throughout the process.
The bill’s supporters highlight its potential benefits: improved grid reliability during extreme weather events; cost reductions by enabling efficient large-scale projects; support for growing power demand from industries like artificial intelligence; and overall economic development—especially in rural areas.
In 2023 alone, transmission congestion cost U.S. ratepayers $11.5 billion. During Winter Storm Uri, increased interconnection could have saved some regions over $100 million per additional gigawatt of capacity. Nearly 60 utility companies plan electricity rate increases totaling more than $38 billion this year—a change affecting over 57 million Americans—and residential rates could rise up to 18% in coming years.
Proponents say smarter investments in transmission could save households up to $14 billion annually after accounting for expenses. For every dollar invested in new lines, consumers may see between $3.80 and $4.70 in benefits.
Andy Barr has represented Kentucky’s 6th district in Congress since 2013 after succeeding Ben Chandler https://barr.house.gov/about. He was born in Lexington in 1973 https://barr.house.gov/about where he currently resides https://barr.house.gov/about. Barr holds degrees from both the University of Virginia (BA) https://barr.house.gov/about and University of Kentucky College of Law (JD) https://barr.house.gov/about.
