86R4569 GRM-F
By: Moody H.B. No. 853
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the deployment of advanced metering and meter
information networks in certain areas outside of ERCOT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter L, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 39.5521 to read as follows:
Sec. 39.5521. METERING. (a) Notwithstanding Section
39.552, an electric utility subject to this subchapter that elects
to deploy advanced metering and meter information networks may
recover reasonable and necessary costs incurred in deploying
advanced metering and meter information networks. An electric
utility that elects to deploy advanced metering or meter
information networks is subject to commission rules adopted under
Sections 39.107(h) and (k). The commission shall ensure that any
deployment plan approved under this section and any related
customer surcharge:
(1) are not applicable to customer accounts that
receive service at transmission voltage; and
(2) are consistent with commission rules related to
advanced metering systems regarding:
(A) customer protections;
(B) data security, privacy, and ownership; and
(C) options given consumers to continue to
receive service through a non-advanced meter.
(b) An electric utility subject to this subchapter that
elects to deploy an advanced meter information network shall deploy
the network as rapidly as practicable to allow customers to better
manage energy use and control costs.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2019.