Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
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.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
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?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, H.R. 9945 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9945?
- H.R. 9945 was sponsored by Rep. George Whitesides [D-CA27] (Democrat-CA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9945?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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