TX
Texas Senate Bill SB241

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB241

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

Caption

Relating to the regulation of advanced meters and the interconnection of ERCOT with another grid; requiring a study on the health effects of advanced meters; authorizing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The bill's passage would lead to significant changes in how electric utilities operate within the state, especially in relation to customer data management. Utilities will be required to send notifications to customers about their rights to decline or choose removal of advanced meters. This opens new avenues for data privacy as it governs how customer consumption data can be shared or accessed. Overall, SB241 strives to enhance consumer protection while enabling regulatory clarity around the use of advanced metering infrastructure.

Summary

Senate Bill 241 seeks to regulate the deployment and operation of advanced electric meters in Texas. It establishes provisions regarding the access and disclosure of residential customers' electric consumption data, specifically prohibiting unauthorized access to this information, which is derived from smart meters. The bill emphasizes the customers’ rights, allowing them to refuse the installation of advanced meters or request their removal without incurring additional fees. It also mandates that electric utilities must inform customers of their rights concerning meter installation and removal, ensuring transparency in the process.

Contention

One of the critical points of contention surrounding SB241 relates to the public health study it mandates regarding advanced meters. Opponents are concerned that these advanced meters can have adverse health effects, and the study could face scrutiny over its design and impartiality. Furthermore, the bill restricts the interconnection of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) with other grids, which raises debates over the potential impacts on energy reliability and market competition. These concerns illustrate a broader tension between advancing technology in utility management and safeguarding public interest.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2181

Relating to advanced metering and meter information networks.

TX HB1146

Relating to the interconnection of the ERCOT power grid to grids outside the ERCOT power region.

TX HB3177

Relating to the interconnection of the ERCOT power grid to grids outside the ERCOT power region.

TX HB5297

Relating to the interconnection of the ERCOT power grid to grids outside the ERCOT power region.

TX SB31

Relating to the interconnection of the ERCOT power grid to grids outside the ERCOT power region.

TX HB1412

Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB1500

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.

TX HB2793

Relating to the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources.

TX SB1212

Relating to the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources.

TX SB1001

Relating to the regulation of electric vehicle supply equipment; requiring an occupational registration; authorizing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.

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