Texas House Bill HB4309

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/29/09

Caption

Relating to the use of grants or loans by an electric utility or transmission and distribution utility deploying advanced metering technology for use with renewable energy.

Impact

By amending the Utilities Code, specifically the sections on surcharge recovery and the requirement to seek federal funding, the bill proposes to ensure that any costs incurred during the deployment of these advanced technologies are equitably distributed among customer classes. The commission is instructed to set up a nonbypassable surcharge that allows utilities to recover reasonable costs, reflecting the expense related to the deployment of advanced meters, which should not exceed one-third of the total meters within a year. This provision aims to alleviate financial burdens while promoting the adoption of innovative technologies in the energy sector.

Summary

House Bill 4309 aims to mandate that electric utilities and transmission and distribution utilities actively pursue grants and loans for the deployment of advanced metering and transmission technologies relating to renewable energy. The bill emphasizes the importance of these technologies in enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. It recognizes that the successful implementation of advanced metering systems can lead to significant cost savings and improved service for both residential and non-residential customers.

Contention

Discussions around HB 4309 may bring forth concerns regarding the impact of surcharges on consumers and the operational discretion given to utilities concerning the deployment of advanced meters. Critics might argue that while the intention is to support transition to renewable energy, the associated costs could lead to higher utility bills for consumers. Furthermore, the reliance on federal funding for the success of these initiatives prompts a discussion about potential dependency on federal resources, which can be variable and subject to political shifts.