Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025

This legislation amends the Federal Power Act to enhance electric grid reliability and ensure adequate service. It grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) new authority to address inadequate or insufficient interstate electric service, or service likely to become so within five years. Upon receiving a complaint, FERC can issue orders, rules, or regulations to determine and fix proper service, including the ability to require the continued operation of an electric generating unit. These orders can last up to five years and are extendable for additional five-year terms upon request and hearing.

When FERC mandates continued operation, it must also determine the necessary rates or charges to compensate the owner or operator for additional costs, as well as the cost allocation. Significantly, any action or omission taken to comply with such an order, even if it results in noncompliance with Federal, State, or local environmental law, shall not be considered a violation or subject the party to liability. Furthermore, the bill establishes a new requirement for owners or operators of electric generating facilities to provide a five-year advance notice to FERC and other relevant entities before retiring an electric generating unit, unless the retirement is due to an unplanned catastrophe. These notices will be made publicly available by FERC, aiming to provide greater transparency and planning time for grid operators.