Menendez and Balderson Applaud Advancement of Key Grid Reliability Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Energy advanced the bipartisan Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, legislation introduced last week by Congressmembers Rob Menendez (NJ-8) and Troy Balderson (OH-12) to help protect ratepayers and strengthen grid planning amid rapidly growing energy demand.

"Families across America are facing rapidly rising utility bills as a result of unprecedented strain on our power grids, including increased demand from AI data centers," said Congressman Menendez. "Our bipartisan legislation aims to improve forecasting for energy demand and make sure that we have the data we need to plan for future energy needs. I am committed to advancing solutions that ease the burden on our communities and look forward to continuing our important work on this front."

"Keeping the lights on starts with knowing how much power we'll need in the years ahead," said Congressman Balderson. "Electricity demand is surging nationwide, and Congress is working to ensure our grid can keep pace while making energy affordable for families. This bipartisan bill will help states and utilities make better decisions, plan for future demand, and avoid passing unnecessary costs on to consumers."

The United States is experiencing unprecedented growth in electricity usage, driven by expanding manufacturing, electrification, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. At the same time, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment warns that much of North America faces a growing risk of energy shortfalls over the next five years, with PJM-the regional transmission organization serving Ohio and New Jersey-classified as "high risk."

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") to convene regional joint boards with state public utility commissions to study and identify best practices for electric load forecasting. The legislation would also require FERC to report its findings and recommendations to Congress and encourage states to consider adopting improved forecasting procedures to support reliable, affordable electric service.

In addition to directing FERC to develop recommendations for improving load forecasting, the legislation would amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to encourage state consideration of those recommendations. The bill would also update the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to promote greater accuracy, oversight, and transparency in utility forecasting practices.

Congressman Menendez serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has been a leader on addressing rising costs for families in New Jersey and across the country. He recently introduced legislation to address skyrocketing energy bills and the environmental impacts of data centers built for artificial intelligence across the country.

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act now awaits consideration by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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