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HB 2316

Utilities, Utility Districts - As introduced, requires each public and private electric utility and electric project developer, owner, or operator to conduct a technical assessment of certain electrical transformers to determine vulnerability to geomagnetically induced current; requires such entities to file a report on the assessment with the general assembly, governor, board of utility regulation, and the public utilities commission. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 7 and Title 65.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jody Barrett

Tennessee utilities must assess electrical transformers for solar storm damage vulnerability and report findings to state officials to improve grid resilience planning.

Def. to Summer Study in Business & Utilities Subcommittee
#utilities #utilitydistricts
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Bill Summary · HB 2316

Legislative bill overview

HB 2316 requires all public and private electric utilities and developers in Tennessee to assess their electrical transformers for vulnerability to geomagnetically induced currents (GMICs)—disruptions caused by solar storms and magnetic field fluctuations. Utilities must document their findings in a technical report and submit it to the state legislature, governor, board of utility regulation, and public utilities commission.

Why is this important

Geomagnetically induced currents from major solar events can damage large power transformers, potentially causing prolonged outages affecting millions of people and costing billions in economic damage. This bill aims to create transparency about infrastructure vulnerabilities and establish a baseline for assessing grid resilience before catastrophic events occur, allowing policymakers to plan protective measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Conducting comprehensive technical assessments across multiple utility systems statewide could be expensive, with costs potentially passed to ratepayers through higher bills
  • Regulatory complexity: The bill directs reports to four different government entities, creating potential overlap and unclear enforcement mechanisms if utilities don't comply or assessments are inadequate
  • Undefined standards: The bill doesn't specify what constitutes a proper assessment, leaving room for inconsistent evaluation methods and questions about whether reports will be meaningfully comparable or actionable

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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