BIG WIRES Act

This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to set minimum standards for how much electricity can be transferred between different regions of the U.S. power grid, aiming to improve reliability and lower costs. It amends the Federal Power Act by adding a new section on interregional reliability.

Sec. 3, Minimum interregional transfer capabilities and requirements: FERC must issue a final rule within 18 months requiring each transmission planning region to have a minimum transfer capability equal to the lesser of 30% of its peak load or its current capability plus 15% of its peak load. FERC may set higher requirements if net benefits are shown. The rule must define how to calculate current transfer capabilities and peak loads using Energy Information Administration data, establish a process for regions to submit joint plans to meet these requirements by December 31, 2035, and explain how FERC will act if a region fails to submit a plan. Plans must be updated every 5 years. FERC must apply the rules equally to all regions and has jurisdiction over all transmitting utilities. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) may voluntarily comply. The Energy Information Administration must update its data for calculations within 180 days. FERC must aim to improve grid reliability and resilience and reduce costs for consumers.