Texas Senate Bill SR562

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction on SB 3.

Impact

By suspending part of Senate Rule 12.03, SR562 permits the conference committee to consider modifications not included in the original text of SB3—specifically, the removal of restrictions on offering wholesale indexed electric products to residential or small commercial customers. This action may have significant regulatory implications on the electricity market in Texas, particularly regarding how consumers engage with utility providers and the types of electricity pricing options available to them.

Summary

Senate Resolution 562 (SR562) was adopted by the Texas Senate during the 87th Legislature and pertains to the suspension of certain Senate rules to allow the conference committee discussion on Senate Bill 3 (SB3). SB3 addresses critical issues related to the preparation for, prevention of, and response to weather emergencies and power outages. The resolution specifically enables a particular flexibility regarding the bill's conference committee processes, thereby facilitating timely legislative action on these pressing matters.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the omitted sections that previously prohibited the offering of certain wholesale indexed electric products to residential customers. Critics of this change could argue that allowing such products may expose consumers to more volatile pricing scenarios based on real-time market conditions, potentially leading to increased costs during peak demand or emergency situations. Supporters may counter that these options can enhance market competitiveness and provide consumers with more choices in how they manage their electricity consumption and costs.