This bill aims to integrate the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) with neighboring electric grids by amending the Federal Power Act. It removes ERCOT's exemptions under sections 201, 212, 216, 217, and 220 of the Federal Power Act, thereby bringing ERCOT under federal jurisdiction for certain provisions. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is mandated to convene a technical conference within six months to assist affected entities with compliance.

The legislation requires FERC to order the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to propose new reliability standards within 30 days of enactment. These standards must establish minimum total transfer capabilities between ERCOT and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and the Western Interconnection, with capacities ranging from 2.5 to 16.2 gigawatts depending on the interconnection. ERCOT and its neighboring entities must jointly submit a plan within one year to site and construct or modify transmission facilities to achieve these capacities, with completion required by January 1, 2037.

Projects for new transmission facilities must prioritize the use of grid-enhancing technologies, existing rights-of-way, and degraded land. They should also expand access to renewable energy sources and ensure meaningful community involvement, particularly for environmental justice communities and Tribal and Indigenous Communities, including outreach and translation services. Furthermore, these projects must utilize registered apprenticeship programs and pay prevailing wages, while also being subject to environmental reviews under NEPA and the Endangered Species Act.

To support these efforts, the bill significantly increases the borrowing authority for the Transmission Facilitation Program from $2.5 billion to $13.5 billion. Finally, it directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study within one year on the reliability, climate, and cost benefits of interconnecting electric facilities with Mexico.