In response to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, the American Public Power Association (APPA) is calling for congressional action to mitigate risks to the reliability of the nation’s bulk power system. NERC identifies high and rising risks to resource adequacy across the country as demand for electricity rapidly outpaces the addition of new generation.
“The time for congressional action is now,” said Scott Corwin, President & CEO of APPA. “Outdated, fragmented federal permitting and siting processes are holding back critical infrastructure that could address the reliability challenges NERC has underscored. Public power utilities need clarity and certainty to move forward on investments that will meet growing demand and safeguard customers.”
APPA urges lawmakers to prioritize infrastructure-neutral permitting reform, including targeted updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to accelerate federal approvals while maintaining responsible oversight. Modernizing and digitizing the permitting process, establishing an interagency information sharing portal, and ensuring agencies have sustained funding and personnel are essential steps to streamline reviews and eliminate bottlenecks.
“NERC’s latest findings reinforce what we have seen for several years: increasing reliability risks fueled by surging demand, more extreme weather, and persistent delays in building new generation and transmission,” Corwin continued. “Congress must implement practical reforms so public power utilities can deliver reliable, affordable service as the digital economy transforms the energy landscape.”
APPA stands ready to collaborate with policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to make it easier and faster to get needed energy infrastructure built to meet these challenges.