Number: RL32178
Title: Summary of Electricity Provisions in the Conference Report on H.R. 6
Authors: Amy Abel, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Conferees on the House and Senate energy bills (H.R. 6) met on November 17, 2003 and approved a conference report. On November 18, 2003, the House approved the Conference report to H.R. 6 by a vote of 246-180. On November 21, 2003, a cloture motion to limit debate on H.R. 6 in the Senate failed by a vote of 57-40. This report describes Title XII of the conference report on H.R. 6 which deals with electric power issues. In part, this Title would create an electric reliability organization (ERO) that would enforce mandatory reliability standards for the bulk power system. All ERO standards would be approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under this Title, the ERO could impose penalties on a user, owner, or operator of the bulk-power system that violates any FERC-approved reliability standard. This Title also addresses transmission infrastructure issues. The Secretary of Energy would be able to certify congestion on the transmission lines and issue permits to transmission owners. Permit holders would be able to petition in U.S. District Court to acquire rights-of-way for the construction of transmission lines through the exercise of the right of eminent domain.
Pages: 22
Date: Updated December 17, 2003