Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency Sign Reliability MOU

March 11, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 11, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on March 9 signed a joint memorandum of understanding under which the two agencies will collaborate on efforts to boost electric grid reliability.

The new MOU on Interagency Communication and Consultation on Electric Reliability builds upon longstanding engagement from DOE and EPA with the power sector and further commits the agencies to routine and comprehensive communication about policies, programs, and activities regarding electric reliability. This includes sharing information and analysis, and ongoing monitoring and outreach to key stakeholders to proactively address reliability challenges. 

Both agencies have designated a team of experts on electric reliability to serve as points of contact for routine communications across the agencies. In addition, the agencies will meet on an at least semiannual basis to provide updates about policies, programs, and activities pertaining to electric reliability, share information and analysis, and discuss ongoing monitoring and outreach activities. 

The U.S. already has in place a multilayered system of institutions, policies, and practices to ensure that our infrastructure for generating, transmitting, and distributing electric power maintains the highest standards of reliability, the agencies said.

“The MOU ensures that, with the sound application of existing authorities and policy tools, DOE and EPA can continue to support the ability of the power sector to maintain electric reliability and seize new reliability opportunities presented by clean energy advancement.”

EPA and DOE anticipate continued consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on electric reliability challenges.