Senate permitting bill could greatly expand power lines and clean energy

A new Senate bill could speed up how the country builds high-voltage power lines, the big transmission network that moves electricity across states and regions. The grid hasn't kept pace with rising demand for electricity, and backers say this bill would change how grid operators and utilities plan and approve new lines, require newer technology that lets existing lines carry more power, and push regions to coordinate so more solar, wind, batteries, and other power plants can actually connect to the grid.

An outside analysis of four major grid regions, covering more than half the country, found the reforms could cut the cost of delivering electricity by about $7 billion by 2035, after accounting for $1.9 billion in new transmission spending. That could lower residential electric bills by roughly $1.1 billion. The analysis also projected the changes could enable nearly 100 gigawatts more wind, solar, and battery storage, plus more capacity to share power between regions during extreme weather.

The bill isn't law yet. It needs to pass the Senate and the House, which is currently out of session until after the November midterms, and Republicans and Democrats have clashed over related environmental permitting rules. Some environmental groups oppose parts of the bill, arguing it would speed up fossil fuel projects too. For homeowners, the bill itself doesn't create a new rebate or program to sign up for. But if it passes, it could mean a more reliable grid and, over time, lower electric bills.