87R11427 JXC-D By: Crockett H.B. No. 2563 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the interconnection of a solar energy device to an electricity distribution system. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 39.9165 to read as follows: Sec. 39.9165. SOLAR ENERGY DEVICE OWNER RIGHTS. (a) In this section, "solar energy device" has the meaning assigned by Section 185.001. (b) A transmission and distribution utility or electric utility must allow the owner of a solar energy device that is interconnected to the utility's electricity distribution system, at the discretion of the owner, to: (1) decline to sell electricity produced by the solar energy device to the distribution system; or (2) temporarily disconnect from the utility's electricity distribution system to use on site the electricity produced by the solar energy device during a power outage or interruption. SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to an original contract entered into on or after the effective date of this Act. An original contract entered into before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.