TX
Texas House Bill HB1500

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1500

Filed
3/1/23  
Out of House Committee
4/10/23  
Voted on by House
4/19/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/23/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/24/23  
Governor Action
6/9/23  

Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.

Impact

One significant change highlighted in HB 1500 is the increase in administrative penalties related to regulatory breaches. This amendment aims to deter malpractices and uphold the integrity of the electricity sector. Additionally, the bill mandates a study to analyze potential alternatives to the existing pricing mechanisms in the electric market, which may lead to cost reductions for consumers. The overall impact is geared toward promoting transparency and reliability in the state's energy supply, in light of recent challenges in electricity management.

Summary

House Bill 1500 pertains to the continuation of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, along with the functions of ERCOT—a crucial independent organization managing the state's electricity grid. This bill serves as a 'sunset bill', essential for maintaining the existence of these organizations beyond September 1, 2023, without which they would face automatic abolishment. HB 1500 outlines various provisions to enhance the efficiency and accountability of these agencies in regulating the state's electricity market and ensuring reliable power delivery to consumers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears largely positive among stakeholders, particularly those advocating for regulatory certainty and improved market mechanisms. Various supporters, including representatives from the Texas Competitive Power Advocates and environmental groups, have emphasized the bill’s role in securing the ongoing functionality of entities that oversee the electric grid. However, some concerns have been raised about the adequacy of protections against market manipulation, highlighting a need for vigilant oversight as Texas continues to navigate an evolving energy landscape.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention revolve around the provisions for handling violations and the adjustments to how generation facilities are regulated in terms of their contributions to grid reliability. Apprehensions have surfaced regarding the balance of ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering a competitive electricity market. As the bill approaches its effective date, there will likely be ongoing deliberations about fine-tuning the implementation measures to align them effectively with broader energy goals and consumer protection efforts.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Utilities Code

  • Chapter 39. Restructuring Of Electric Utility Industry
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 157
    • Section: 155
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 9111
    • Section: 9112
    • Section: 9113
    • Section: 918
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 159
    • Section: 166
    • Section: 167
    • Section: 168
    • Section: 1591
    • Section: 1592
    • Section: 1593
    • Section: 1594
    • Section: 1595
    • Section: 155
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 908
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 166
    • Section: 167
    • Section: 157
    • Section: 9055
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 906
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 166
    • Section: 167
    • Section: 203
    • Section: 157
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 908
    • Section: 503
    • Section: 1514
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 1514
    • Section: 166
    • Section: 167
    • Section: 155
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 908
    • Section: 9055
    • Section: 206
  • Chapter 31. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 52. Commission Jurisdiction
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 060
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 12. Organization Of Commission
    • Section: 005
    • Section: 059
    • Section: 005
    • Section: 059
    • Section: 203
    • Section: 005
    • Section: 059
    • Section: 005
    • Section: 059
    • Section: 203
    • Section: 205
  • Chapter 13. Office Of Public Utility Counsel
    • Section: New Section

Water Code

  • Chapter 13. Water Rates And Services
    • Section: 4132
    • Section: 4132

Latest HB1500 Activity

Companion Bills

TX SB1368

Identical Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1368

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region.

TX HB2134

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas; imposing an administrative penalty.

TX HB4560

Relating to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Office of the Public Utility Counsel, and the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region.

TX HB10

Relating to the governance of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and an independent organization certified to manage a power region.

TX SB206

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the transfer of certain functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and to the functions of the Office of Public Utility Counsel; authorizing a fee.

TX SB661

Relating to the continuation and functions, as applicable, of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas and to the transfer of certain functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas; imposing administrative penalties.

TX HB1600

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the transfer of certain functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the rates for water service, and to the functions of the Office of Public Utility Counsel; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2

Relating to the governance of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and an independent organization certified to manage a power region.

TX SB2441

Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3592

Relating to the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the governing body of the independent organization certified to manage the ERCOT power region.

Similar Bills

TX SB6

Relating to the planning for, interconnection and operation of, and costs related to providing service for certain electrical loads and to the generation of electric power by a water supply or sewer service corporation.

TX SB3

Relating to preparing for, preventing, and responding to weather emergencies and power outages; increasing the amount of administrative and civil penalties.

TX SB1212

Relating to the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources.

TX HB2793

Relating to the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources.

TX SB6

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.

TX SB1368

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region.