HOUSTON ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION AND RESILIENCE ACT (HEIMRA)

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Houston Electric Infrastructure Modernization and Resilience Act” or “HEIMRA”.

SECTION 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The City of Houston, Texas, continues to suffer from repeated electric grid failures during extreme weather events, including the 2021 winter storm and recurring heat waves.
(2) The region’s electric infrastructure, much of which is above-ground and decades old, is ill-equipped to meet the demands of a growing urban population.
(3) The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) operates independently from national grids, which limits the ability to import emergency electricity.
(4) A significant portion of Houston’s energy infrastructure is vulnerable to flooding, heat stress, and wind damage.
(5) Long-term electric resilience in Houston is essential for national economic stability and public safety.

SECTION 3. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Modernize and harden Houston’s electric transmission and distribution infrastructure;
(2) Improve system resilience to extreme weather events and emergencies;
(3) Expand local and regional electric generation capacity using advanced and renewable technologies;
(4) Enhance Houston’s ability to interconnect with the national electric grid.

SECTION 4. FEDERAL GRANTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING.
(a) The Secretary of Energy shall establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to:
(1) Modernize transmission lines, substations, and distribution nodes within Houston;
(2) Replace overhead lines with underground systems in high-density and high-risk areas;
(3) Expand battery storage and smart grid technology;
(4) Improve weatherization of power plants and grid components;
(5) Establish regional backup microgrids for hospitals, emergency services, and water facilities.
(b) Grants shall be available to the City of Houston, Harris County, and regional utility providers in partnership with state or private actors.

SECTION 5. INTERCONNECTION INITIATIVE.
(a) The Department of Energy, in coordination with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), shall:
(1) Evaluate pathways to allow emergency interconnection between ERCOT and the Eastern and Western Interconnects;
(2) Fund feasibility studies, legal assessments, and pilot projects to enable such interconnections.

SECTION 6. FUNDING.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations: There is authorized to be appropriated $10 billion for fiscal years 2025 through 2035.
(b) Federal cost-share shall not exceed 85% of any individual project, with the remainder to be funded by state, municipal, or private sources.

SECTION 7. COMMUNITY IMPACT AND OVERSIGHT.
(a) The Department of Energy shall ensure equity in project implementation, prioritizing improvements in low-income and historically underserved neighborhoods.
(b) All funded projects shall be subject to:
(1) Independent engineering review;
(2) Annual progress reports;
(3) Public disclosure of spending and outcomes.

SECTION 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.
(2) “Microgrid” means a localized group of electricity sources and loads that can operate connected to the grid or independently.
(3) “Smart grid technology” refers to digital communications and controls used to enhance grid reliability, efficiency, and security.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect upon enactment.