81R5473 TRH-F
By: Ogden S.B. No. 681
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the ability of electric utilities to provide electric
service during a major power outage.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 38, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 38.072 to read as follows:
Sec. 38.072. ELECTRIC SERVICE DURING A MAJOR POWER OUTAGE.
(a) For purposes of this section, "electric utility" includes:
(1) a municipally owned utility; and
(2) an electric cooperative.
(b) The commission shall conduct a study to evaluate whether
there is a need in this state for electric utilities to improve
their ability to restore electric service to customers after a
major power outage that is expected to last for more than 24 hours.
(c) On a determination that there is a need in this state for
a particular electric utility to improve its ability to restore
electric service to customers after a major power outage, the
commission may require the electric utility to maintain:
(1) an additional physical interconnection with
another electric utility, regardless of whether the electric
utilities operate within the same power region;
(2) an emergency electricity supply agreement with at
least one other electric utility; or
(3) a joint restoration procedure with at least one
other electric utility.
(d) The commission may require an electric utility to
provide information regarding:
(1) the utility's ability to restore service during a
major power outage; and
(2) a report regarding the utility's progress in
implementing a measure the commission requires under Subsection
(c).
SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2011, the Public
Utility Commission of Texas shall submit a report of the results of
the study required by Section 38.072, Utilities Code, as added by
this Act, to the legislature.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.