After nearly two years of effort, Congress has finally succeeded in passing its long-anticipated omnibus energy bill. The “Domenici-Barton Energy Policy Act of 2005” – which was signed into law by President Bush on August 8, 2005 – seeks to bring about broad reforms throughout the energy sector, including electricity generation and transmission and the operation of the nation’s power grid. However, certain provisions in the Act could have a significant impact on the planning, operation and costs of the communications systems used to support utility operations.