Texas House Bill HB2762

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the exclusion of certain facilities from load shedding participation during a rolling blackout.

Impact

The implications of HB2762 are significant as it amends the Utilities Code to prioritize healthcare and water supply facilities during energy shortages. By excluding these critical entities from load shedding, the bill aims to maintain continuity of care in hospitals and ensure the availability of water for residents and businesses alike. This measure is particularly relevant in light of Texas's previous energy crises, where rolling blackouts raised concerns about the reliability of power supply for essential services. The legislation can be seen as a proactive step to safeguard public health and safety during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 2762 is aimed at addressing the impacts of rolling blackouts on critical infrastructure in Texas. Specifically, the bill requires electric utilities, cooperatives, and municipally owned utilities to exclude certain facilities from participation in load shedding during rolling blackouts. The key facilities designated for exclusion include licensed hospital facilities and those necessary for providing water to wholesale customers. This legislation highlights the need to protect essential services during energy crises, ensuring that hospitals are not subjected to power outages that could jeopardize patient care and critical operations.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from those who emphasize the necessity of protecting hospitals and water infrastructure during blackouts, it may also raise questions regarding the overall effectiveness of the state’s energy management strategies. Critics might contend that the bill doesn't address the root causes of energy shortages and may instead disincentivize utilities from improving their grid resiliency. The potential increased burden on other residential and commercial users during blackouts, as utilities strive to meet legislative requirements, could also be a topic of debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the energy sector.