87R11994 CXP-D
By: Hernandez H.B. No. 3699
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study by the Public Utility Commission of Texas
regarding smart meter communication networks.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "commission" means the
Public Utility Commission of Texas.
SECTION 2. SMART METER COMMUNICATION NETWORKS STUDY. (a)
The commission shall conduct a study on the use of smart meter
communication networks to improve response after a widespread power
outage.
(b) The study conducted under this section must:
(1) identify the costs of using or increasing the
communication capacity of smart meters to allow for remote power
disconnection and restoration; and
(2) assess the potential applications for curtailing
power to individual retail electric customers instead of entire
circuits in the event of a natural disaster or other
weather-related event that results in forced curtailment of power.
(c) In conducting the study, the commission may collaborate
with other state agencies, institutions of higher education,
nonprofit corporations, electric utilities, and other interested
persons.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than September 1, 2022, the
commission shall report the results of the study conducted under
this Act and any recommendations to the legislature. The report
must include recommendations for any statutory changes necessary to
implement the recommendations made in the report.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires December 31, 2022.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2021.