Bill > SB2565

This bill requires public and private electric utilities and electric project developers, owners, or operators in Tennessee, referred to as "covered entities," to conduct a technical assessment of specific large electrical transformers and generator step-up transformers, defined as "covered equipment," to determine their vulnerability to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which are currents caused by natural space weather events or high-altitude nuclear explosions. By January 1, 2027, these entities must perform this assessment, which will model specific GIC scenarios and consider factors like transformer age and condition, and identify potential issues such as half-cycle saturation and insulation degradation. Subsequently, by July 1, 2027, each covered entity must submit a detailed report to the general assembly, governor, board of utility regulation, and public utilities commission, including transformer specifications, identified risks, recommended solutions for GIC protection, estimated costs, and a priority list of transformers based on damage risk. Importantly, the bill clarifies that operational procedures alone, like adjusting power load, are not considered sufficient protection against GIC risks, and sensitive information like specific locations and purposes of equipment, designated as Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII), will be protected from public disclosure.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2565&ga=114