This bill creates a new federal program to help states modernize how they plan their electricity systems. Right now, many states use outdated methods to decide what power plants, transmission lines, and other energy infrastructure they'll need in the future. This bill asks the U.S. Department of Energy to develop updated guidelines and best practices for this planning process, then share them with states, utilities, and other electricity system operators.

The bill focuses on making electricity planning more sophisticated and realistic. It recommends that states consider newer approaches like battery storage, rooftop solar panels, energy efficiency improvements, and smart grid technologies—not just traditional power plants. It also emphasizes using better computer models that account for extreme weather, uncertainty, and the ability to share power across regions. The guidelines will help states think through multiple future scenarios and compare the costs and benefits of different options, including environmental impacts and reliability.

To help states actually implement these new approaches, the bill creates a grant program. States can apply for federal funding to update their planning laws and regulations, hire consultants and staff, and help utilities comply with new requirements. Different states will get different amounts based on their size, how many utilities they have, and how much work they need to do. States have five years to spend the money they receive. The Department of Energy will also provide training and technical assistance to help everyone understand and use the new guidelines.