TN HB2316

Electric utilities and power project operators must conduct technical assessments of all high-voltage transformers (100 kV or greater, 25 MVA or greater capacity) for vulnerability to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) by January 1, 2027.

Assessment reports due to the General Assembly, Governor, and utility regulators by July 1, 2027, must include detailed transformer specifications, replacement costs and lead times, recommended GIC protection solutions, and prioritized lists by damage risk.

Operational procedures alone (load shedding, reactive power supply) are prohibited as the sole mitigation strategy for GIC risks; physical protection measures are required.

Reports must include total implementation costs for GIC protection and funding recommendations, including potential grants and rate recovery mechanisms.

Sensitive infrastructure location and purpose data must be redacted from public reports and handled under Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) confidentiality protocols.