87R7594 CXP-D
By: Paul H.B. No. 2599
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to ownership and use of mobile batteries to restore
electric service after a natural disaster in the ERCOT power
region.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 35.151, Utilities Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 35.151. ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE. This subchapter
applies to the ownership or operation of electric energy storage
equipment or facilities that are intended to:
(1) provide energy or ancillary services at wholesale,
including electric energy storage equipment or facilities listed on
a power generation company's registration with the commission or,
for an exempt wholesale generator, on the generator's registration
with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; or
(2) provide reliable delivery of electric energy to
distribution customers after a natural disaster.
SECTION 2. Subchapter E, Chapter 35, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 35.153 to read as follows:
Sec. 35.153. MOBILE BATTERIES FOR RESTORING SERVICE AFTER
NATURAL DISASTER. (a) In this section, "natural disaster" means a
tropical storm or hurricane, ice storm or snow storm, flood, or
other weather-related event that results in a widespread electric
power outage affecting distribution customers of transmission and
distribution utilities.
(b) Notwithstanding a provision of this subtitle that
directly or indirectly prohibits a transmission and distribution
utility from owning or operating a generation asset, a transmission
and distribution utility, with prior approval of the commission,
may own and operate a mobile battery to provide electric energy to
restore service to distribution customers after a natural disaster.
(c) The commission shall adopt rules as necessary to
implement this section and establish criteria for approving the
ownership and operation of a mobile battery under this section.
SECTION 3. The Public Utility Commission of Texas shall
adopt rules required by Section 35.153, Utilities Code, as added by
this Act, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this
Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.