Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to write rules that direct utilities to use top-performing power conductors, meaning the wires that carry electricity, on new and substantially upgraded high-voltage transmission lines, with several exemptions.

• Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue regulations within one year of enactment that create a best-available transmission conductor class, using a methodology developed with the Secretary of Energy.
• Covers new transmission facilities under Commission jurisdiction and major modifications, upgrades, replacements, or reconductoring of existing ones.
• Exempts projects for which a utility filed a required permit or procured conductors before enactment, emergency repairs after disasters or officially designated emergencies, uses that would harm safety or violate a reliability standard, and uses that would significantly raise the cost per kilowatt-hour without a material gain in capacity, efficiency, or mechanical performance.
• Lets the Commission periodically review and update the designation methodology and the list of designated conductors to reflect technology improvements.

• Energy and Commerce Committee (House)
• Energy Subcommittee
• Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Senate)

Energy