Sec. 6. Granular retail electricity pricing grant program
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/bill/115/s/1874/is/section-6A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In this section: The term eligible entity means an electric utility, such as— an investor-owned electric utility; a publicly owned utility; and an electric cooperative. The term program means the granular retail electricity pricing grant program established under subsection (b)(1). The Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall provide grants to support projects described in subsection
(d)for the voluntary deployment of granular retail electricity pricing, with the goal of producing more efficient economic signals for transactions conducted on the electric grid. In developing the program, the Secretary shall take into consideration lessons learned from granular electricity pricing demonstration and pilot projects, if any. To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, including— a description of the granular pricing mechanisms to be implemented; a description of any enabling technology proposed to be used by the eligible entity, which shall include, at a minimum, advanced metering infrastructure; the stated intent and plan of the eligible entity to maintain scaled and sustained implementation of the granular rate structure after the program ends; a description of a consumer engagement and retention strategy; and if the eligible entity is an electric utility or an electricity retailer, a formal approval of the project from the regulatory body of jurisdiction, such as a State public utility commission. In awarding grants under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to proposed projects that— implement— transactive energy systems; or systems of real-time pricing, in which prices are transmitted directly to devices; and maximize the use and incorporation of technologies that create grid flexibility. A grant provided under the program may be used for any project that implements granular retail rates, including a project— to offset revenue-neutrality requirements established by an applicable State regulatory authority; to study consumer behavior in response to implemented granular retail electricity pricing; or to educate and engage consumers regarding rate design innovation, including by providing technical assistance and opportunities for comment. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000, to remain available for a period of 10 years following the fiscal year for which the amounts were appropriated.