81R10363 TJS-F
By: Lucio III H.B. No. 4641
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the deployment of advanced electric distribution
networks.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 39.1075 to read as follows:
Sec. 39.1075. ENHANCED ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS;
PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "enhanced electric
distribution network" means a two-way communication system and
associated equipment and software that provides real-time
monitoring, diagnostics, and control of electric distribution
lines and other components for an electric delivery system,
designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electric
delivery system and to facilitate storm recovery.
(b) Not later than December 1, 2009, each electric utility
shall file with the commission a plan to establish a pilot program
to study the cost-effectiveness of deploying an enhanced electric
distribution network. The commission shall approve or modify a plan
filed under this section not later than May 1, 2010.
(c) A plan filed with the commission under this section must
include a proposal for the treatment of incremental program costs.
Subject to commission approval, the incremental program costs are
recoverable as reasonable and necessary costs under Section
39.107(h).
(d) At a minimum, a pilot program under this section must:
(1) use advanced technology to operate an integrated
grid network communication system;
(2) operate in a specific geographic area; and
(3) remain in operation for at least six months.
(e) Not later than January 1, 2011, each electric utility
shall file with the commission a report on the results of the
electric utility's pilot program.
(f) This section does not require an electric utility to
conduct or complete a pilot program before implementing a permanent
or long-term enhanced electric distribution network project.
(g) To the extent practicable, an electric utility shall
obtain federal funds to support a pilot program under this section,
including funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Pub. L. No. 111-5) or the Energy Independence and Security Act
of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-140).
(h) This section expires September 2, 2011.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.