US energy regulator OKs rule to boost power grid

The grid overhaul aims to meet a surging electricity demand

Windmills and high-voltage power lines in Germany
"Our country's aging grid is being tested in ways that we've never seen before"
(Image credit: Frank Bienewald / LightRocket via Getty Images)

What happened

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted 2-1 Monday to adopt a new rule aimed at increasing interstate energy capacity to meet soaring demand. The long-awaited rule requires utilities and regional grid operators to collaboratively set 20-year plans that consider demand for and sources of electricity, reliability and the fairest way to pay for transmission upgrades.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.