Texas House Bill HB2820

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the development of electricity demand response programs.

Impact

This bill modifies existing laws under the Utilities Code to encourage customer engagement in demand response strategies. Among the key provisions, it requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas to develop rules aimed at facilitating customer participation across various classes. The legislation aims to ensure that every customer can opt into demand response programs, which could lead to decreased electricity usage during peak times and ultimately contribute to grid stability.

Summary

House Bill 2820 aims to enhance the development of electricity demand response programs in Texas, specifically within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region. The legislation emphasizes the importance of both supply and demand-side resources working together to maintain the adequacy of the electric system. The bill mandates the removal of unnecessary barriers preventing customer participation in demand response initiatives, thereby promoting a more efficient and responsive electricity market.

Contention

While the proposition of promoting demand response can foster improvements in managing electric use, it has raised discussions around the efficacy and fairness of such programs. Proponents argue that these initiatives can help mitigate high electricity costs and enhance system reliability. However, concerns have been voiced regarding potential inequities in availability and access to these programs among different customer classes, which may lead to disparities in how effectively these improvements can be realized across the broader population.