Texas Senate Bill SCR1

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to create a joint interim committee to study the security of the Texas electric grid.

Impact

If enacted, SCR1 calls for the creation of a joint interim committee by the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to study the security of the Texas electric grid. This committee is intended to devise strategies to prevent power shortages and enhance the resilience of the grid against various threats. The resolution notes the economic benefits that would accompany a secure energy supply, as companies may view Texas as a desirable place for relocation or expansion, especially given the enhanced energy security that could result from the committee's recommendations.

Summary

SCR1 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that underscores the critical importance of securing the Texas electric grid and its generation capabilities. It highlights past incidents, such as Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, which revealed the vulnerabilities of the grid when severe weather led to widespread power outages. The bill emphasizes that ensuring the integrity of the electric grid is essential not only for individual Texans but also for the economy and national security. It points out that Texas's ability to control its own power grid puts it in a unique position to enhance the security and reliability of its electricity supply.

Contention

The notable point of contention revolves around the means and methods through which the committee will assess and address the grid’s security. Stakeholders, including members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and other relevant groups, are expected to play an integral role in the committee's findings. However, discussions around the actual implementation of security measures, the allocation of resources, and potential political considerations could raise debates over the priority levels given to different aspects of grid security, as well as the balance between regulatory oversight and industry flexibility.