CEO’s Report: Public power on Capitol Hill

Each year, American Public Power Association hosts its Legislative Rally in Washington, D.C. – a chance for public power officials from across the country to visit with members of Congress. The event provides an important opportunity to highlight the priorities of community-owned, locally controlled electric utilities and the customers they serve.

As electricity demand continues to grow nationwide, public power remains focused on reliable service and affordable rates.

In advance of the Rally, APPA has put together key messages for utility representatives to share on Capitol Hill – ensuring a unified voice on the issues that matter most to public power.

Protect electric reliability

Unprecedented demand growth from traditional loads, data centers, and electrification is coming at a time when traditional generation is retiring prematurely and new, reliable generation cannot be built quickly enough.

While Heartland is well positioned to serve our customers and support future growth, federal policies must continue to enable public power utilities to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.

Public power supports the continued use of diverse generating resources. Grid reliability and electricity affordability are central to national security, economic development and public safety.

The Reliable Power Act would give FERC the ability to determine if proposed federal regulation would adversely impact bulk power system reliability and if so, would require the issuing agency to make necessary modifications. 

Enact energy permitting reform

Lengthy and unpredictable permitting processes make it more difficult and costly for utilities to invest in needed generation, distribution, and transmission infrastructure.

Federal policymakers should streamline permitting and siting rules to provide utilities with the clarity and certainty needed to invest in infrastructure to meet growing electricity demand.

H.R. 4776, also known as the SPEED Act, would narrow the scope of environmental reviews and reduce frivolous lawsuits. The bill passed the House of Representatives in December. APPA strongly supports H.R. 4776 and urges its consideration in the Senate.

Cybersecurity

Earlier this month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy approved five cybersecurity-related bills. APPA testified on these bills, focusing on the importance of reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Advanced Utility Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance Program (RMUC).

APPA and several public power utilities have received grants from this program to enhance the cybersecurity of public power.

H.R. 7266 would reauthorize RMUC through 2030 and authorize $250 million in appropriations. The program provides technical and financial assistance to eligible entities, including municipally owned utilities, to protect and harden systems against cyber threats and to increase participation in cybersecurity threat information sharing programs.

Heartland looks forward to visiting our nation’s capital to discuss these issues and more with members of Congress. We are dedicated to safeguarding the future of reliable, affordable public power for the communities we serve.