Texas House Bill HB3245

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/1/09

Caption

Relating to certain protections for customers in the restructured electric services market.

Impact

The bill amends several sections of the Utilities Code, addressing not only disconnection policies but also the governance of independent organizations overseeing the electrical network, which must operate wholly within Texas. This regulatory framework is designed to ensure that electric providers maintain service continuity and accountability while also reinforcing the independence of organizations tasked with regulatory oversight. Additionally, the bill introduces non-bypassable surcharges for utilities to recover costs associated with advanced metering systems, enhancing transparency and consumers' knowledge of utility costs.

Summary

House Bill 3245 aims to enhance consumer protections within the restructured electric services market in Texas. One of its central provisions prohibits the disconnection of residential electric service during extreme weather emergencies, such as excessively cold or hot temperatures. This measure seeks to safeguard vulnerable consumers from losing access to electricity during critical weather conditions and ensures that service providers defer collection of payment during emergencies, working with customers to establish repayment schedules afterward.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its consumer protection measures, there may be contention concerning the enforcement of these regulations and their implications for utility companies. Critics may argue that strict disconnection policies could lead to higher operational costs for providers, which might get passed on to consumers in the form of increased rates. Additionally, the stipulations for advanced metering and the costs associated with deploying such technologies could spark debate about affordability and accessibility, particularly for lower-income households already facing financial pressures.