State Energy Accountability Act

The State Energy Accountability Act amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) by introducing a new standard for state regulatory authorities. This standard mandates that any state implementing an intermittent energy policy must conduct and publicly release a comprehensive evaluation of its effects. The primary goal is to ensure that policies promoting non-reliable energy sources are thoroughly assessed for their impact on the electric grid. The required evaluation must cover several critical areas, including the policy's effects on the reliability of the bulk-power system , assessing resource adequacy over a 10-year period, and its impact on electricity rates. It also requires an analysis of the ability of intermittent resources to meet demand during emergencies and whether removed reliable generation facilities can be adequately replaced. Additionally, the evaluation must determine if out-of-state energy supplies are required to maintain reliability. State regulatory authorities must consider and make a determination on this new standard within one year of the Act's enactment, making their evaluations publicly accessible.