87R10708 JXC-D
By: Davis H.B. No. 3061
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the generation of electricity in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 35, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 35.0021 to read as follows:
Sec. 35.0021. MAINTENANCE OF GENERATION ASSETS; CAPACITY
FORECAST REPORTS. The commission by rule shall require each
provider of generation in the ERCOT power region to:
(1) submit to the commission annual maintenance plans
showing how the provider will maintain generation assets;
(2) periodically inspect and maintain generation
assets to ensure that the assets can withstand extreme weather
conditions; and
(3) report to the independent organization certified
under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region annual forecasts of
the provider's generation capacity for a five-year period beginning
with the year following the year in which the forecast is submitted.
SECTION 2. Section 39.351, Utilities Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(d) The commission shall require a person registered under
this section who operates a natural gas generation facility to
maintain at the site of the facility an amount of natural gas as a
reserve that will allow the facility to provide generation for at
least 48 hours that equals at least 10 percent of the net dependable
capability of the facility in the event of a natural gas shortage.
In this subsection, "net dependable capability" means the maximum
load in megawatts, net of station use, which a generating unit or
generating station can carry under specified conditions for a given
period of time, without exceeding approved limits of temperature
and stress.
SECTION 3. Not later than September 1, 2022, the Public
Utility Commission of Texas shall submit a report to the
legislature on the potential costs and benefits of establishing an
emergency strategic electric energy reserve in this state. The
report must evaluate the feasibility of establishing a state
natural gas reserve and of constructing state-owned power plants.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.