Members of President Donald Trump’s revamped Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will make their first appearance before congressional lawmakers this week, as the nation’s power grid faces unprecedented demand driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
The House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee hearing Tuesday comes as energy affordability has become an increasingly political issue, with Democrats seeking to pin high prices on recent Republican policy moves. Grid watchers, meanwhile, are expressing growing alarm that operators may not be able to meet electricity demand reliably in the coming years.
“This hearing will offer the opportunity to discuss the work being done to strengthen our electric grid and expand resources needed to onshore advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, all while lowering costs for hard-working families across the country,” said full committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Energy Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-Ohio) in a joint statement.
The five FERC commissioners, in a 3-2 split favoring Republicans, are expected to face questions from lawmakers on a range of upcoming agency actions that will play a decisive role in how the nation delivers power reliably and affordably.
