Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2861

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB 2861 will directly impact the operational protocols of electric utilities in Texas, particularly during instances of rolling blackouts. By exempting certain medical facilities from power outages, the bill reinforces the importance of healthcare accessibility even amid energy crises. This could lead to a broader discussion regarding the resilience of the power grid and the prioritization of critical infrastructure in future utility planning.

Summary

House Bill 2861 aims to protect specific medical facilities, particularly those treating patients with end-stage renal disease, from power interruptions during rolling blackouts. This legislation mandates that electric utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives exclude circuits supplying power to these facilities from load shedding procedures that are typically employed in response to energy shortages. The intention is to ensure that critical healthcare services remain operational, particularly for vulnerable patients who depend on continuous treatment.

Contention

While the bill has clear benefits for patient care, it also raises questions about the feasibility of such exemptions during widespread energy shortages. Stakeholders might contend that prioritizing specific medical facilities could complicate load management strategies for electric utilities and potentially result in inequities in service reliability. Opponents of the bill may argue for a more comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by rolling blackouts rather than piecemeal exemptions that could overwhelm the power grid.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3637

Relating to the equitable distribution of involuntary load shedding events.

TX SB1629

Relating to the regulation of certain nursing facilities, including licensing requirements and Medicaid participation requirements.

TX SB1075

Relating to facilities and construction machinery used to respond to power outages.

TX HB2973

Relating to facilities and construction machinery used to respond to power outages.

TX HB3964

Relating to energy efficiency goals and programs, public information regarding energy efficiency programs, and the participation of loads in certain energy markets.

TX HB3390

Relating to the provision of information regarding distributed generation and certain electrical loads.

TX SB1751

Relating to the regulation and tax treatment of facilities in the ERCOT power region that demand a large load of interruptible power.

TX HB1764

Relating to the exclusion of certain witnesses during a criminal proceeding.

TX SB1295

Relating to the provision of information regarding distributed generation and certain electrical loads.

TX SB330

Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.