Texas Senate Bill SB943

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/21/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 4/21/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/4/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the classification, use, and regulation of electric energy storage equipment or facilities.

Impact

The implementation of SB943 empowers the Public Utility Commission of Texas to draft new regulations pertinent to energy storage systems. This may include protocols for interconnecting these systems to the grid and obtaining transmission services necessary for wholesale electricity sales. The bill is positioned to enhance the operational capabilities of electric energy storage, promoting competition and efficiency in the state’s energy sector. Changes to the regulatory environment could lead to increased investments in energy storage solutions, thereby impacting energy pricing and availability.

Summary

SB943 seeks to classify, use, and regulate electric energy storage equipment and facilities within Texas. The bill amends the Texas Utilities Code to define electric energy storage equipment as generation assets when intended for sale at wholesale. This classification redefines such facilities as power generation companies, which necessitates registration under current state laws. The aim is to create a regulatory framework that promotes and clarifies the role of energy storage technologies in the state's electricity market.

Contention

While the bill focuses on establishing a framework for electric energy storage, there may be concerns regarding how it affects existing power producers and utilities. Critics could argue that the regulatory changes might favor large energy firms with the capital to invest in storage technologies, potentially sidelining smaller operators or community-based energy initiatives. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about whether these regulations could sufficiently address reliability and safety concerns associated with widespread energy storage deployment.