Relating to the requirement that certain water service providers ensure emergency operations during an extended power outage.
Impact
The implications of SB361 are significant for both utility providers and the communities they serve. By mandating emergency preparedness plans, the bill seeks to ensure that essential services such as potable water and sewer operations remain functional even when electricity supply is compromised. This move is intended to safeguard public health and maintain quality of life, especially in vulnerable populations that rely heavily on these services during emergencies.
Summary
Senate Bill 361 focuses on ensuring the operation of water and sewer services during extended power outages. The bill amends the Water Code to require retail public utilities and certain other providers of water and sewer services to develop and submit an emergency preparedness plan to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This requirement is aimed at enhancing the resiliency of water and sewer systems against prolonged power disruptions, which can occur due to natural disasters or other emergencies.
Conclusion
Overall, SB361 represents a proactive approach to utility regulation in Texas, emphasizing the importance of reliability in water and sewer services. As communities continue to face climate-related challenges, the successful implementation of SB361 could serve as a model for similar legislation aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience across the state.
Contention
Notably, the law establishes specific deadlines for different regions in Texas to submit their emergency preparedness plans based on their proximity to the coastline. The phased approach ensures that utilities in Hurricane-prone areas must meet preparation standards sooner than those further inland. However, this could present challenges for smaller or less well-resourced utility providers who might struggle to meet the deadlines or develop comprehensive plans without adequate support.
Relating to information maintained by certain municipally owned utilities that provide electricity services and cable, Internet, or broadband services.
Relating to notice provided by certain public water systems regarding a water service interruption in an area served by a fire department that provides fire suppression services.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.
Requires DOH to establish Regional Hospital System Program for Emergency Preparedness and to annually survey preparedness and resiliency of State's hospital system in event of public emergency.