Bill > HR2244

This bill establishes a Strategic Transformer Reserve program, which requires the Department of Energy (DOE), specifically through its Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, to develop and submit a plan to Congress for approval. This plan will outline how to create a reserve of spare large power transformers, which are critical components of the bulk-power system (the interconnected network that delivers electricity across the country) with a rating of 100 megavolt-amperes or higher. The purpose of this reserve is to store these transformers in strategically chosen locations so they can be quickly deployed to temporarily replace "critically damaged large power transformers" – those that are beyond economical repair or would cause extended instability in the power grid due to damage from events like physical or cyber attacks, electromagnetic pulses, severe weather, or seismic activity. The DOE cannot establish this reserve until Congress has formally approved the detailed plan, which must include considerations for the number of transformers needed, suitable storage locations with security and confidentiality measures, the flexibility of the transformers to fit different substation configurations, estimated costs, funding options including public-private partnerships, transportation and installation logistics, and the criteria and processes for withdrawing and returning transformers from the reserve.