Texas House Bill HB4562

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the extreme weather emergency preparedness of facilities providing gas or fuel to be used in the production of an electric service; requiring reporting.

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws concerning energy regulation. It introduces stricter standards for reporting outages and preparedness measures among gas providers. Specifically, it requires these providers to contact relevant utilities promptly in the event of a power loss and to register their facilities as critical infrastructure. By instituting these requirements, HB4562 aims to enhance the reliability of gas supply during times of extreme weather, ultimately supporting the stability of the electric grid in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4562 addresses the preparedness of facilities supplying gas or fuel for electric service during extreme weather emergencies. It mandates that every gas provider in the ERCOT power region implement specific measures to ensure their facilities are weatherized and able to maintain supply even in adverse conditions. This move is designed to prevent interruptions in gas supply and to expedite recovery efforts when service disruptions occur due to extreme weather events.

Contention

Some discussions surrounding this bill highlight concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such stringent measures, especially for smaller gas providers or those serving rural areas. Legislators may debate potential costs associated with compliance and the sufficiency of current infrastructure to meet the new reporting and preparedness standards. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the effectiveness of the proposed measures in genuinely mitigating emergencies compared to existing practices.