Summary of HR 3628: State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act

Bill Number: HR 3628

Introduced: May 29, 2025

Status: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce (H. Rept. 119-306)

Primary Sponsor: Representative Gabe Evans

Cosponsor: Nicholas A. Langworthy

Related Bills: HR 3143 (companion bill)

Purpose and Intent

The State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act aims to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) by requiring state regulatory authorities to evaluate the reliability of their electricity generation portfolios. The bill seeks to ensure that utilities incorporate reliable generation analysis into their integrated resource plans over a 10-year planning period. This is in response to growing concerns about electricity demand, the premature retirement of baseload power plants, and the potential risks to grid reliability.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to PURPA: The bill modifies section 111(d) of PURPA to mandate that state regulatory authorities consider the reliability of generation resources when developing integrated resource plans.
• 10-Year Planning Requirement: Utilities must analyze their generation portfolios, focusing on maintaining reliability amid increasing electricity demands and the retirement of traditional power sources.
• Focus on Reliability: The legislation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to energy generation, particularly in light of the rapid growth of intermittent energy sources and the associated challenges they pose.

Background and Need for Legislation

The U.S. electricity system is experiencing significant changes due to:
- Increased Demand: The rise of artificial intelligence and domestic manufacturing is projected to increase electricity demand by 151 GW by 2034.
- Baseload Retirements: Up to 115 GW of thermal generation is expected to retire, raising concerns about power outages and grid reliability.
- State Policies Impacting Reliability: Many states have implemented aggressive clean energy standards that may inadvertently lead to higher electricity costs and reliability issues. The bill aims to address these challenges by ensuring that states consider reliability in their energy planning.

Who Would Be Affected

• State Regulatory Authorities: Required to implement the new standards in their planning processes.
• Utilities: Must adapt their integrated resource plans to include reliability analyses.
• Consumers: Potentially benefit from improved reliability and affordability of electricity as states balance clean energy goals with grid stability.

Procedural Aspects

• Committee Actions: The bill was reported favorably by the Committee on Energy and Commerce on September 19, 2025, and placed on the Union Calendar.
• Voting Record: The bill passed out of committee with a vote of 25-23 on June 25, 2025.
• Subcommittee Review: The bill underwent consideration in the Energy Subcommittee prior to being forwarded to the full committee.

Conclusion

HR 3628 represents a legislative effort to enhance the reliability and affordability of electricity in the United States by requiring states to consider the reliability of their energy generation portfolios. As the energy landscape evolves, this bill aims to ensure that the transition to cleaner energy sources does not compromise the stability of the electric grid.