87R9830 TYPED
By: Tinderholt H.B. No. 1731
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to protection of the electric power transmission and
distribution system.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD LEVELS. Section 39.151,
Utilities Code, is amended by adding Subsections (o) and (p) to read
as follows:
(o) The commission by rule shall identify and implement
design standards for the electric power transmission and
distribution system to limit electromagnetic field levels and
protect the transmission and distribution system.
(p) The commission by rule shall require the independent
organization certified under this section to consider
electromagnetic field levels when determining the public need for a
transmission line.
SECTION 2. ELECTRICAL POWER GRID RELIABILITY TASK FORCE.
(a) The electrical power grid reliability task force is created.
The task force shall study the likely effectiveness and costs of
various measures to protect and strengthen the electric power
transmission and distribution system against all hazards.
(b) The task force consists of five members appointed by the
lieutenant governor and five members appointed by the speaker of
the house. The task force:
(1) may not:
(A) consist of more than 10 members; or
(B) include employees of the Public Utility
Commission of Texas; and
(2) must include at least the following members:
(A) two members of the house of representatives
appointed by the speaker of the house;
(B) two senators appointed by the lieutenant
governor;
(C) an expert on electromagnetic pulse
disturbances appointed by the lieutenant governor;
(D) an expert on cybersecurity appointed by the
lieutenant governor;
(E) an expert on terrorism appointed by the
lieutenant governor;
(F) an expert on geomagnetic disturbances
appointed by the speaker of the house; and
(G) an expert on electric power transmission and
distribution system security appointed by the speaker of the house.
(c) The task force shall elect a presiding officer.
(d) The task force shall:
(1) evaluate strategies and technologies to
strengthen the transmission and distribution system, including:
(A) blocking devices;
(B) faraday cages; and
(C) surge arrestors;
(2) survey transmission and distribution utilities
to:
(A) determine the number of high voltage
transformers in this state; and
(B) evaluate the utilities' plans to improve
current infrastructure;
(3) research existing grid protection policies
outside this state;
(4) make recommendations for the implementation of
strategies and technologies that will most effectively and
efficiently strengthen the transmission and distribution system,
including:
(A) blocking devices;
(B) faraday cages; and
(C) surge arrestors;
(5) make recommendations regarding the allocation of
costs of implementation, including recommendations for which
costs, if any, should be the responsibility of shareholders or
ratepayers; and
(6) determine the feasibility of implementing the
recommended actions.
(e) Not later than September 1, 2022, the task force shall
prepare and submit to the governor and the legislature a report of
the task force's findings and recommendations.
(f) A member of the task force established under this
section is not entitled to compensation. Members may be reimbursed
for expenses as follows:
(1) a member is entitled to reimbursement for travel
and other necessary expenses as provided in the General
Appropriations Act; and
(2) a member appointed as a representative of a state
agency is eligible for reimbursement for travel and other necessary
expenses according to the applicable agency's policies.
(g) The division of emergency management of the office of
the governor shall provide administrative support and staff to the
advisory task force established under this section.
SECTION 3. EXPIRATION. The task force established under
this Act is abolished and this Act expires September 1, 2023.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2021.