Bill Overview
Title: Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act
Description: This bill modifies requirements under the Federal Power Act to allow certain interstate or offshore wind transmission facilities to charge their customers fees that are commensurate with the estimated anticipated benefits provided by the facilities.
Sponsors: Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals worldwide relying on an electric grid
Estimated Size: 332000000
- The bill impacts the electric grid, specifically related to interstate or offshore wind transmission facilities.
- People who rely on electricity may see changes in their energy costs due to the fee adjustments.
- Wind transmission facilities are likely to be located in areas with optimal wind conditions, which are typically in coastal or Plains states, and this may affect these regions more directly.
- The bill touches on energy infrastructure which is critical for both residential and commercial use across the country.
- Transitioning to wind energy aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions, impacting broader climate change mitigation goals.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects areas where offshore and interstate wind facilities might be constructed, typically impacting coastal regions and certain central states with good wind conditions.
- Changes in fee structures for electricity transmitted may have a direct impact on energy bills for consumers served by these facilities.
- Because the infrastructure projects take time to develop, short-term impacts may be less significant compared to long-term benefits.
- The bill's aim of enhancing grid resilience indirectly supports climate change mitigation, which can bolster public sentiment toward sustainable energy, potentially improving wellbeing.
- The financial impact could vary widely based on location—those closer to the new facilities may see direct fee changes.
- The limited initial budget means only a handful of projects might start within the first few years, potentially leading to uneven impacts across the country.
Simulated Interviews
Energy consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is beneficial for advancing renewable energy infrastructure.
- Worried about possible temporary increase in energy costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Farmer (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Concerned about rising electricity costs affecting farm expenses.
- Supportive of wind energy but mindful of economic impact on farmers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Software engineer (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Excited about advancements in renewable energy.
- Not expecting personal impact in energy costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopeful for long-term stability in energy prices.
- Worried about potential short-term increase in costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nurse (Charlotte, NC)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Neutral as long as personal expenses aren't greatly affected.
- Support for green initiatives balanced with financial caution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
High school teacher (Rapid City, SD)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sees educational benefit and long-term societal gains.
- Generally supportive, but cautious about local economic implications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Restaurant owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any rise in energy costs could significantly impact business finances.
- Interested in sustainable practices but wary of immediate financial strain.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Public policy analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Thrilled with steps towards renewable energy.
- Invigorated by potential positive environmental impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Graduate student (Lincoln, NE)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Eager to see growth in wind energy sector for future career opportunities.
- Sees bill as a step towards broader acceptance of sustainable energy sources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Software developer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Appreciates policy's environmental intentions.
- Hopes for accelerated deployment of renewable resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 3: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 5: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 10: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 100: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Key Considerations
- The resilience of the electric grid is crucial for economic stability and national security.
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources aligns with federal goals to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
- The needs and challenges vary by region, particularly balancing coastal and central plains states having optimal wind conditions.
- Public and political support might vary due to perceived benefits and costs at a state versus federal level.