Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
H.R. 9945, the "Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act," aims to speed up upgrades to the national electric grid by encouraging the use of "advanced conductors"—transmission wires that carry more electricity, have lower resistance, and sag less than standard conductors. The bill allows transmission providers to voluntarily study whether replacing existing wires (reconductoring) or upgrading transmission within existing rights-of-way could improve grid reliability and reduce congestion, with results submitted to the Department of Energy and made public. It also lets the Energy Department publish aggregated, anonymized data on reconductoring project outcomes and maintain a public list of such projects by state and voltage class.
The bill would streamline federal environmental review for qualifying transmission upgrade projects by generally treating them as categorically excluded from full review under the National Environmental Policy Act, unless extraordinary circumstances apply. It also amends the tax code to make "high-performance transmission property" used in these projects eligible for the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit, with rates similar to those for other clean energy technologies, subject to restrictions involving foreign entities.
This affects electric utilities, transmission developers, landowners near transmission corridors, and taxpayers/ratepayers who could see infrastructure or cost effects. The bill was introduced July 23, 2026, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means; it has not yet been voted on.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
23 Jul 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9945 do?
- H.R. 9945, the "Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act," aims to speed up upgrades to the national electric grid by encouraging the use of "advanced conductors"—transmission wires that carry more electricity, have lower resistance, and sag less than standard conductors. The bill allows transmission providers to voluntarily study whether replacing existing wires (reconductoring) or upgrading transmission within existing rights-of-way could improve grid reliability and reduce congestion, with results submitted to the Department of Energy and made public. It also lets the Energy Department publish aggregated, anonymized data on reconductoring project outcomes and maintain a public list of such projects by state and voltage class. The bill would streamline federal environmental review for qualifying transmission upgrade projects by generally treating them as categorically excluded from full review under the National Environmental Policy Act, unless extraordinary circumstances apply. It also amends the tax code to make "high-performance transmission property" used in these projects eligible for the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit, with rates similar to those for other clean energy technologies, subject to restrictions involving foreign entities. This affects electric utilities, transmission developers, landowners near transmission corridors, and taxpayers/ratepayers who could see infrastructure or cost effects. The bill was introduced July 23, 2026, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means; it has not yet been voted on.
- Has H.R. 9945 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9945. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9945?
- H.R. 9945 was sponsored by Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27] (D-CA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9945?
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (23 Jul 2026).
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