Texas House Bill HB1014

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement that certain retail water and sewer utility services maintain auxiliary generators for use during an extended power outage.

Impact

The passage of HB 1014 is likely to have significant implications for local utility companies, as they will be required to invest in and maintain auxiliary power systems. Utilities in high-risk disaster areas will need to evaluate their current infrastructure to comply with the new regulations set forth by the TCEQ. The enforcement of this bill may result in increased operational costs for utilities, which could potentially be passed down to consumers. Nonetheless, the goal is to improve emergency preparedness substantially and improve the response to natural disasters, thereby reducing the risk of service disruption when it is most needed.

Summary

House Bill 1014 mandates that certain retail water and sewer utilities in Texas must maintain auxiliary generators to ensure uninterrupted service during extended power outages. This requirement applies specifically to utilities that serve more than 1,000 customers in counties classified with a 'high' or 'very high' risk designation for major disasters. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is tasked with developing rules and standards for the auxiliary generators, including their operational capabilities and maintenance procedures. The intent of this legislation is to enhance the resilience of essential public services during emergencies, thereby safeguarding public health and safety.

Contention

While the bill received support for its goal of enhancing emergency preparedness, there are concerns regarding the financial burden it could impose on smaller utility providers. Critics argue that the requirement for such infrastructure might disproportionately affect smaller, rural utilities that have limited resources and may struggle to meet the new standards. Additionally, there may be concerns about the environmental impact of the generators themselves, as regulations around emissions and maintenance standards will need to be carefully considered. The TCEQ's role in setting these standards will be crucial in addressing both operational needs and environmental sustainability.