Texas Senate Bill SB681

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/24/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09

Caption

Relating to the ability of electric utilities to provide electric service during a major power outage.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have a considerable impact on how electric utilities prepare for and respond to power outages. By potentially requiring utilities to create additional interconnections with other utilities and to establish emergency supply agreements, this bill aims to strengthen the reliability of electric service and ensure quicker restoration for affected customers. These enhancements could lead to a more resilient electric grid, particularly in the face of extreme weather events or large-scale outages.

Summary

Senate Bill 681 addresses the ability of electric utilities in Texas to provide service during major power outages. The bill mandates the Public Utility Commission of Texas to conduct a study to evaluate the need for improvements in the ability of utilities to restore electric service after significant outages lasting more than 24 hours. If a need is identified, the commission may require utilities to enhance their infrastructure or establish emergency agreements to improve customer service during outages.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB681 may revolve around the cost implications of such infrastructure improvements and the feasibility for smaller, municipally-owned utilities to comply with new requirements. Opponents might argue that the bill could impose significant financial burdens, especially on local utilities that may already be limited in resources. There could also be debates regarding the balance between state mandates and local utility management, specifically in how much control should remain with individual utilities versus state oversight.