By: Fraser S.B. No. 1821
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study and a pilot project 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; PILOT PROJECT. (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.
(e) The commission shall develop a pilot project, in
consultation with local electric utilities or private contractors,
for the establishment and operation of charging stations for
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in state-owned parking lots and
garages, including lots and garages in the Capitol Complex, as
defined by Section 411.061, Government Code.
(f) The pilot project must also include:
(1) demonstrations on the use of charging stations for
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the Capitol Complex;
(2) the solicitation of demonstrations of plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles, including pickup trucks, delivery
vehicles, and buses, for use in the state vehicle fleet; and
(3) facilitation of the use of ride-sharing or
car-pooling programs that use plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and
are sponsored or promoted by local governments.
(g) The commission may solicit and accept grants, gifts, and
donations from any public or private source for the purposes of this
section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.