H.R. 3157 — State Energy Accountability Act

This section adds a new standard (¶(22)) to the list of ratemaking considerations under Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), requiring each state regulatory authority implementing an intermittent energy policy (i.e., a state requirement that regulated electric utilities sell a specified portion of electricity generated by facilities that are not reliable generation facilities) to conduct and publicly release a general evaluation of— (1) the policy's effects on bulk-power system reliability in the state, including resource adequacy over a 10-year period; (2) compliant resources' ability to meet demand during emergencies, high-demand periods, or extreme weather events; (3) effects on electric utility rates; (4) capacity replacement for reliable generation facilities retired to comply with the policy, ensuring equivalent capacity accreditation to maintain reliability; and (5) reliance on replacement supplies from out-of-state reliable generation facilities. A reliable generation facility is defined as one capable of continuous operation for at least 30 days with on-site fuel or assured supply, operable during emergencies or severe weather, and providing essential reliability services (e.g., frequency and voltage support). (Thus, the evaluation applies to renewable energy mandates or similar policies favoring intermittent sources such as wind or solar.) The section further requires state regulatory authorities to consider and determine the appropriateness of implementing this standard within one year of enactment, notwithstanding prior proceedings or standard PURPA timelines in Sections 112 and 124; and to publicly release the evaluation within one year of their determination (for pre-existing policies) or state adoption (for future policies).