Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB65

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the inclusion of the total cost of residential retail electricity in advertisements and contracts.

Impact

The enactment of HB65 is expected to significantly influence the way retail electric providers communicate pricing to potential customers. By mandating a full disclosure of all costs associated with residential service, the bill enhances consumer protection against hidden fees that can obscure the true cost of electricity. This legislative change is positioned to impact existing utility regulations, promoting a more competitive market environment where clear pricing allows consumers to compare different electricity offerings more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 65 addresses the transparency of residential retail electricity pricing by requiring that the total cost of such services, inclusive of additional fees, be clearly displayed in advertisements and contracts. This legislation aims to ensure that consumers are fully aware of all charges they will incur, which include not just the per kilowatt hour cost but also transmission charges, service provider distribution charges, pole charges, and any other associated costs. The main objective is to empower consumers and allow them to make informed decisions about their electricity service providers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB65 appears to be generally positive, with advocates applauding the bill as a necessary step towards greater transparency in the electricity market. Supporters argue that the bill will bring fairness and clarity to consumers, potentially fostering a more competitive marketplace. However, there may be some resistance from electricity providers who could view this additional regulation as an infringement on their operational flexibility and marketing strategies.

Contention

While the bill itself does not seem to have been met with significant opposition, there are underlying concerns regarding how extensively electricity providers may need to change their current advertising practices. The necessity of including comprehensive cost information may lead to debates about the adequacy of the regulatory definitions concerning what constitutes the 'total cost' of service. These discussions might involve stakeholders from utility companies pushing back against what they see as onerous requirements impacting their ability to attract customers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB527

Relating to a rebate of the assessment on the gross receipts of electricity for certain providers of retail electric service.

TX HB4784

Relating to the provision of electricity service in the ERCOT power region.

TX SB114

Relating to the provision of electricity service in the ERCOT power region.

TX HB4010

Relating to the assessment on the gross receipts of electricity for certain providers of retail electric service.

TX SB1699

Relating to electricity service in the ERCOT power region, including the participation of aggregated distributed energy resources in the ERCOT market.

TX HB4789

Relating to the use of school buses and electricity by public schools.

TX SB1942

Relating to the use of school buses and electricity by public schools.

TX SB1752

Relating to the generation and transmission of electricity.

TX HB3071

Relating to the development of electricity demand response programs.

TX HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.