By: Fraser S.B. No. 1821
(In the Senate - Filed March 11, 2009; March 20, 2009, read
first time and referred to Committee on Business and Commerce;
April 9, 2009, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 9,
Nays 0; April 9, 2009, sent to printer.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study with regard to, and the implementation of
policies to promote, the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 39.917 to read as follows:
Sec. 39.917. EVALUATION OF POLICIES REGARDING PLUG-IN
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES. (a) In this section, "plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle" means a vehicle that:
(1) draws motive power from a battery with a capacity
of at least four kilowatt-hours;
(2) can be recharged from an external source of
electricity for motive power; and
(3) is a light-duty motor vehicle as defined by
Section 386.151, Health and Safety Code.
(b) The commission shall study the potential for wide-scale
adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and shall submit a
report to the 82nd Legislature regarding the commission's findings.
The report shall include:
(1) a summary and evaluation of studies by other
organizations relating to the sufficiency of the transmission and
distribution grid and existing generation capacity to charge
vehicles;
(2) a summary and evaluation of studies quantifying
the air quality benefits of the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles, particularly in areas that are, or are likely to be,
nonattainment areas;
(3) an evaluation of the sufficiency of existing and
planned metering infrastructure, settlement policies, and retail
pricing offers to provide adequate incentives for customers to
charge vehicles during off-peak hours;
(4) an evaluation by transmission and distribution
utilities of the potential impact of increased loading on
distribution transformers due to increased use of plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles; and
(5) recommendations to the legislature relating to
legislation that the commission finds necessary to support the
adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles while maintaining a
reliable transmission and distribution grid.
(c) Based on the results of the study required by this
section, the commission may adopt rules as necessary to ensure that
adequate electric infrastructure and policies are in place to
support the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
(d) The commission shall consult with the Electric
Reliability Council of Texas, transmission and distribution
utilities, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as
appropriate, to conduct the study.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
* * * * *