This bill, the "Connect the Grid Act of 2026," aims to significantly improve the reliability and resilience of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) by mandating its interconnection with neighboring electric grids. A primary provision brings ERCOT under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for certain aspects, removing previous exemptions and requiring FERC to convene a technical conference for compliance. Central to the bill's purpose is the establishment of new electric reliability standards. FERC is directed to order the Electric Reliability Organization to propose a standard requiring specific minimum total transfer capabilities between ERCOT and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) , the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) , and the Western Interconnection . These standards necessitate joint plans from ERCOT and its neighbors to achieve these transfer capabilities by January 1, 2035, prioritizing grid-enhancing technologies and existing rights-of-way. The bill also emphasizes sustainable and equitable development, requiring transmission projects to prioritize siting on degraded lands , expanding access to renewable energy sources , and ensuring meaningful involvement from environmental justice communities and Tribal communities. Such projects must utilize registered apprenticeship programs and prevailing wages, while remaining subject to environmental review. To support these infrastructure developments, the bill substantially increases the borrowing authority for the Transmission Facilitation Program from $2.5 billion to $13.5 billion. Additionally, it mandates the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study and report to Congress on the reliability, climate, and cost benefits of interconnecting U.S. electric facilities with those in Mexico.