Texas House Bill HB3699

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study by the Public Utility Commission of Texas regarding smart meter communication networks.

Impact

The outcomes of this study will potentially lead to significant changes in how power outages are managed in Texas. By improving the response system after power outages, the bill could contribute to improved reliability of the electric grid. Furthermore, the recommendations from the study may necessitate legislative adjustments to existing laws governing the operation and regulation of smart meters, potentially impacting consumer rights and utility practices across the state.

Summary

House Bill 3699 mandates the Public Utility Commission of Texas to conduct a study on smart meter communication networks. The primary focus of the study is to evaluate how these networks can enhance the management of power supply after widespread outages. The bill emphasizes the need for advanced communication capabilities in smart meters to enable remote disconnection and restoration of power, and aims to assess the practicality of selectively curtailing electricity to individual customers during emergencies instead of cutting power to entire circuits.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on technical improvements, it may raise questions regarding the implications for consumer privacy and data security associated with enhanced smart meter technologies. As smart meters increasingly collect detailed data on individual electricity usage, concerns may arise among consumers and privacy advocates about how this data is utilized and protected. Moreover, discussions may emerge on the cost-effectiveness of implementing the proposed upgrades and whether they justify the associated costs to both the utility companies and consumers.