In the wake of the introduction of their pair of provisions for inclusion in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Architecture of Abundance Energy Package, Reps. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA) released statements on the legislation Thursday.
The Strategic Transformer Reserve Program provision would require the secretary of the Department of Energy to prepare and submit a plan to Congress that designs and maintains a Strategic Transformer Reserve Program, storing a sufficient number of spare large power transformers in strategically located facilities that could temporarily replace critically damaged large power transformers.
“My home state of North Carolina is all too familiar with the damage that can result from hurricanes, including long-lasting power outages,” Ellmers said. “In an effort to quickly restore power and mitigate disruptions to the electric grid, it is essential that we have the ability to replace damaged electrical equipment as soon as possible.”
The second provision would include acknowledgement of Smart Grid capable appliances on Energy Guide labels. This program would be beneficial to consumers by providing a method of directly monitoring their energy consumption and the opportunity to lower their utility costs.
“As co-chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus here in Congress, I have made it a priority to modernize and strengthen the electric grid,” Ellmers said. “I have worked with my colleagues to create a more secure, reliable and resilient grid in order to protect critical electric infrastructure. This will better prepare us so that we have the ability to repair the grid and restore power whether there is a natural disaster or a targeted attack.”
McNerney said he is glad to work with her Grid Innovation Caucus co-chair on two bills that will benefit consumers and further enhance the reliability of the electric grid.
“As our grid continues to remain vulnerable to attacks and the impacts of superstorms have become more frequent, it’s essential that we are able to restore electric power quickly,” McNerney said. “Studying the potential need for strategic spare transformer locations throughout the country has the potential to bolster our ability to respond to these incidents more effectively, benefiting our families, businesses, and vital programs that all rely on a responsive electric grid.”