Texas House Bill HB3166

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to wholesale electricity prices in the ERCOT power region during and after a state of disaster.

Impact

The bill aims to provide financial relief to consumers and businesses in Texas by capping electricity prices during disasters, which could arise from various crises such as severe weather events. By implementing this cap on wholesale energy prices, the legislation seeks to prevent sudden spikes in energy costs that could further burden residents and inhibit economic recovery during challenging times. This act would thus directly influence how energy providers set prices in emergency situations, promoting stability in the ERCOT market.

Summary

House Bill 3166 introduces a regulatory framework for the treatment of wholesale electricity prices in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) during state-declared disasters. Specifically, it establishes a price cap for wholesale energy sold in ERCOT, set at 200% of the average peak daily price observed during the 90 days preceding the disaster. This measure is aimed at controlling energy costs in times of crisis, ensuring that consumers are not subject to exorbitant pricing from power suppliers during emergencies.

Contention

While there may not be explicit recorded instances of contention from the discussions around HB 3166, potential arguments could arise regarding the balance between protecting consumers and ensuring that energy suppliers remain financially viable. Critics may argue that imposing price caps could discourage investment in energy infrastructure or lead to reduced supply in critically low supply periods. Additionally, the bill's timing and enforcement during a disaster could also be scrutinized to ensure that it adequately addresses the needs of both consumers and providers.