House Passes Energy Bill with NEMA-supported language.

Press Release Summary:



On December 3, House of Representatives passed North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015 (HR 8). Senate will vote on similar legislation, Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 (S 2012), in 2016. House legislation includes NEMA-supported language directing DoE to develop a plan to establish Strategic Transformer Reserve as well as also clarifications to Energy Policy and Conservation Act. These and other aspects will benefit consumers, industry, and government.



Original Press Release:



House Passes Energy Bill, Senate Expected to Act in Early 2016



Rosslyn, Va.—On Thursday, December 3, the House of Representatives passed the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015 (H.R. 8) by a vote of 249-174. The Senate is expected to vote on similar energy legislation, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 (S. 2012), in early 2016.



The House legislation includes NEMA-supported language that directs the Department of Energy to develop a plan to establish a Strategic Transformer Reserve to store large power transformers in strategically located facilities. Such pre-positioning will contribute to grid reliability and resilience should a natural disaster or intentional manmade damage require the rapid replacement of these sophisticated electrical devices.



The bill also includes clarifications to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act that will improve the rulemaking process that establishes federal minimum energy-efficiency standards for many NEMA products. These process improvements will increase benefits and outcomes to consumers, the industry, and the government.



Other NEMA-supported provisions included in the final bill would



Make a technical fix to the Department of Energy’s external power supply rule affecting solid state lighting;

Establish a voluntary “cyber sense” program to identify and promote cyber-secure products intended for use in the bulk-power system;

Increase grid reliability, resilience, physical security, and cybersecurity;

State that it is the policy of the United States to promote and advance grid modernization, grid security, and research and development of advanced grid technologies;

Include energy storage as a form of energy that the Department of Energy should consider to enhance emergency preparedness for energy supply disruptions during natural disasters;

Require a report on the potential of battery energy storage; and

Require a report on methods to increase electric grid resilience with respect to all threats, including cyber attacks, vandalism, terrorism, and severe weather.



The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents nearly 400 electrical, medical imaging, and radiation therapy manufacturers. Our combined industries account for more than 400,000 American jobs and more than 7,000 facilities across the U.S. Domestic production exceeds $117 billion per year. The industry is at the forefront on electrical safety, reliability, resilience, efficiency, and energy security.



National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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