Texas House Bill HB1374

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the application of certain demand charges by transmission and distribution utilities to certain schools and nonprofit athletic or sports associations.

Impact

This legislation is poised to significantly impact school districts and nonprofit organizations by providing a more equitable structure for utility charges. By allowing these entities to benefit from lower charges during periods of low consumption while still accommodating high demand, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens associated with energy costs. This change could lead to substantial savings for schools and sports associations, enabling them to allocate more resources towards educational and athletic programs rather than utilities.

Summary

House Bill 1374 seeks to amend the Utilities Code regarding the application of demand charges for transmission and distribution utilities, specifically targeting public and private schools as well as nonprofit athletic or sports associations. The bill introduces tiered ratchet provisions aimed at creating a fairer billing mechanism that reflects the actual energy consumption of these entities. It establishes a two-tiered system that adjusts charges based on the level of electrical power consumption during billing periods, allowing schools and associations to be charged in a manner comparable to similar customers in the same service area.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to support educational and nonprofit institutions, there may be concerns regarding the potential implications for utility companies and their revenue structures. Some legislators might express worries that modifying ratchet provisions could result in decreased revenue for utilities, affecting their ability to maintain infrastructure and service levels. Furthermore, the need for the Public Utility Commission of Texas to adopt rules for implementation adds a layer of complexity that could lead to further debates among stakeholders about the efficiency and feasibility of executing these changes.