Texas House Bill HB199

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the authority of an electric utility to impose a rate or charge on an owner of solar or wind electric generation.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is poised to influence both consumer behavior and energy markets within the state. It encourages renewable energy adoption by providing a safeguard for consumers against potentially inflated utility charges, thus supporting the state's transition toward cleaner energy sources. By preventing utilities from charging higher rates to solar and wind generation owners, the bill is designed to promote greater equity in energy costs and enhance consumer protection.

Summary

House Bill 199 aims to regulate the authority of electric utilities in Texas regarding the rates or charges imposed on owners of solar and wind electric generation. Specifically, the legislation prohibits electric utilities from imposing rates or charges that uniquely affect residential customers who own distributed solar or wind renewable generation systems. This bill seeks to ensure that these customers are not subjected to discriminatory fees that could arise from their investment in renewable energy technology.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding this bill among various stakeholders in the energy sector. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to protect consumers who invest in renewable energy, promoting greater participation in sustainable energy solutions. Conversely, opposing viewpoints may raise concerns about how these regulations could affect the financial viability of utilities and their ability to maintain infrastructure or investment in grid reliability. Additionally, the utility companies might argue that varying rates are essential for balancing the costs associated with traditional energy sources versus renewable ones.