Texas House Bill HB3546

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a study of the provision of retail electric service and the regulation of components of the electric utilities industry.

Impact

If passed, HB3546 would enable the Public Utility Commission to develop alternative restructuring plans based on the findings from their study. The objective is to improve the affordability and reliability of retail electric services across the state. The bill also indicates that the commission could suggest legislative or rulemaking changes necessary for implementing these restructuring plans. This could lead to potential re-regulation of certain aspects of the retail electric market in areas where customer choice has already been enacted.

Summary

House Bill 3546 mandates a comprehensive study by the Public Utility Commission of Texas on the provision of retail electric service across the state. The bill stipulates that the commission, with assistance from the state energy conservation office, will investigate various aspects of electric service including pricing and reliability, with a comparative analysis between urban and rural areas, as well as regulated versus deregulated markets. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the current state of retail electric services and the factors influencing pricing and service quality.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention regarding the bill, especially concerning the balance between deregulation and the need for regulation to ensure consumer protection and service reliability. Stakeholders from both sides of the electric service debate might argue about the effectiveness of local versus state control over electric utilities. Additionally, the bill's impacts on consumer choice and the competitive landscape of the utility industry will likely be significant topics of discussion among legislators and interest groups alike.