Cotton Introduces Bill to Safeguard Power System’s Reliability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
October 23, 2025

Cotton Introduces Bill to Safeguard Power System’s Reliability

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to safeguard the power system from unnecessary federal regulations. This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), along with the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), to review regulations proposed by other federal agencies that could affect the reliability of the bulk-power system.

Congressman Troy Balderson (Ohio-12) has introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Arkansans need reliable bulk power systems to provide them with electricity to power their homes, schools, and businesses. My bill ensures unnecessary federal regulations don’t imperil our power systems’ reliability or raise costs on families,” said Senator Cotton.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The Reliable Power Act would:

• Require the FERC in consultation with the ERO to review regulations proposed by other federal agencies that could affect the reliability of the bulk-power system under specific conditions.
• Prohibit agencies from finalizing those actions until they respond to any concerns raised by FERC as part of the review.

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