WASHINGTON, D.C. (AVC News) — The U.S. House has passed legislation led by Ohio Congressman Troy Balderson that would establish new federal and state coordination on forecasting future electricity demand.
The House approved the bipartisan Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, H.R. 9332, by voice vote Sept. 15. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Balderson, R-Ohio, said the legislation is intended to help states and utilities better anticipate increases in electricity demand and plan for future grid needs.
The bill would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish regional joint boards with state public utility commissions to study electric load forecasting and identify best practices. FERC would then report its findings and recommendations to Congress.
The legislation also would encourage states to consider the recommendations when developing procedures for electric utilities to forecast future demand. It includes changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act related to forecasting accuracy, oversight and transparency.
The legislation comes as electricity demand is expected to increase because of factors including manufacturing growth, electrification and emerging technologies. Balderson’s office also cited the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, which identified PJM, the regional transmission organization serving Ohio, as facing a high risk of energy shortfalls over the next five years.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the legislation would have no effect on direct spending or revenues over the 2026-2036 period, while identifying intergovernmental and private-sector mandates below applicable statutory thresholds.
The House also passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, H.R. 9340, which addresses electric utility rates and large electricity users such as data centers. The bill would expand the criteria utilities must consider when establishing electricity rates.
Balderson said the two measures are intended to give states and utilities additional tools as electricity demand grows while addressing potential effects on ratepayers.
The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act is now pending consideration in the Senate.
Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by AVC News
