Rulemaking to improve interconnection queue flexibility

(a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking— (1) to address the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of existing procedures for processing interconnection requests to ensure that new dispatchable power projects that improve grid reliability and resource adequacy can interconnect to the electric grid quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably; and (2) to amend the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and, as appropriate, the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement, promulgated pursuant to section 35.28(f) of title 18, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)— (A) to authorize transmission providers to submit proposals to the Commission to adjust the interconnection queue of the transmission provider to prioritize new dispatchable power projects that will improve grid reliability and resource adequacy by assigning those projects higher positions in the interconnection queue; and (B) to require transmission providers— (i) to provide in any proposal described in subparagraph (A)— (I) a demonstration of need for prioritization of the relevant projects; and (II) a description of how the prioritization of those projects will improve grid reliability or grid resilience; (ii) to provide a process for public comment and stakeholder engagement before a proposal described in subparagraph (A) is submitted to the Commission; and (iii) to provide regular reporting to the Commission on the state of grid reliability and grid resilience, including reporting on any actions taken pursuant to this Act. (b) Commission approval To ensure timely responses to grid reliability concerns, not later than 60 days after a proposal is submitted pursuant to subsection (a)(2), the Commission shall— (1) review the proposal; and (2) approve or deny the proposal. (c) Deadline for final rule Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate final regulations to complete the rulemaking initiated under subsection (a). (d) Periodic review Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Commission shall review and, if necessary, update the regulations promulgated under this section to ensure that those regulations remain effective and relevant to evolving grid reliability and grid resilience challenges.