TX
Texas House Bill HB2354

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2354

Caption

Relating to the governing body of the independent organization to ensure access, reliability, adequacy, production, and market information of the ERCOT power region.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2354 will significantly impact the governance of the ERCOT power region. By establishing clear guidelines for the election and roles of governing body members, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the organization that oversees power reliability and market efficiency. The PUC will have a more prominent role in shaping the governing body, likely improving regulatory oversight and enhancing stakeholder representation, thereby fostering a more reliable electric grid in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2354 focuses on the governance structure of the independent organization responsible for overseeing the ERCOT power region. The bill seeks to amend Section 39.151 of the Utilities Code to ensure that the governing body's composition reflects diverse stakeholder interests. This includes representation from independent generators, investor-owned utilities, and consumer interests, ensuring a balance of voices in decision-making processes affecting the electricity market in Texas. The bill mandates formal bylaws for the governing organization, including the selection process of members that allows for input from the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC).

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its emphasis on stakeholder diversity and improved governance, it has also raised concerns among various industry players about potential bureaucratic increases and the effectiveness of regulatory input. Some stakeholders argue that the changes may slow decision-making processes and pose challenges for swiftly reacting to market conditions. Additionally, the requirement for the chief executive officer of the independent organization to be a Texas resident as a compliance measure raises questions about the talent pool available for the leadership role, potentially impacting the effectiveness of ERCOT's operations.

Companion Bills

TX SB743

Same As Relating to the governing body of the independent organization to ensure access, reliability, adequacy, production, and market information of the ERCOT power region.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1368

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.

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 HB4926

Relating to the authority of an independent organization certified to manage a power region to amend bylaws and certificates of formation.

TX SB1594

Relating to the authority of an independent organization certified to manage a power region to amend bylaws and certificates of formation.

TX SB2012

Relating to the implementation of a program to meet the reliability needs of the ERCOT power region.

TX HB2768

Relating to the applicability of the open meetings law and the public information law to the Texas Energy Reliability Council and to independent organizations established to manage power regions.

TX HB4706

Relating to the establishment of an independent market monitor for the natural gas market by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and an independent organization certified for a power region.

TX SB7

Relating to the reliability of the ERCOT power grid.

TX HB3178

Relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to ensure the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region has adequate reserve power to prevent blackout conditions.

TX HB2524

Relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to ensure the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region has adequate reserve power to prevent blackout conditions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.