Texas House Bill HB3533

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to surcharges for advanced metering of electric utility services.

Impact

If implemented, HB3533 will create a regulatory framework governing the recovery of costs associated with advanced metering systems in Texas. This could lead to enhanced transparency as the PUC will ensure that surcharges do not exceed the actual costs incurred by the electric utilities. The bill necessitates that the surcharges be clearly stated on customers' bills, thereby facilitating better consumer awareness regarding utility charges linked to advanced metering deployments.

Summary

House Bill 3533 seeks to address the implementation of surcharges related to the advanced metering of electric utility services within Texas. Specifically, the bill amends Section 39.107(h) of the Utilities Code to mandate that the Public Utility Commission (PUC) establish a nonbypassable surcharge for electric utilities. This surcharge is intended to recover the reasonable and necessary costs incurred in deploying advanced metering and meter information networks. It is designed to apply to both residential and nonresidential customers, with certain provisions to protect customers until their advanced meters are installed.

Contention

Despite the logical underpinnings of the bill, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for consumers, particularly if the surcharges are perceived to be excessive or if they lack adequate oversight. Critics may argue that without stringent regulation, utilities could inflate costs or impose undue financial burdens on customers. The requirement that surcharges are recoverable through discounts on billed services post-installation, while protective in nature, may not completely assuage concerns of those wary of the potential for rising utility costs.