88R13374 KBB-D
By: Goodwin H.B. No. 3939
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study and report on transitioning to underground
power lines.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Commission" means the Public Utility Commission
of Texas.
(2) "Study area" means areas of this state that
experienced more than one power outage caused by a failure of
overhead power lines during extreme weather events between January
1, 2018, and September 1, 2023.
SECTION 2. FINDINGS. The legislature finds that:
(1) underground power lines are more resistant than
overhead power lines to extreme weather conditions and reduce the
number of weather-related power outages; and
(2) the cost of burying power lines is significant and
requires further analysis.
SECTION 3. STUDY. Using existing funds for research and
development, the commission, in consultation with the Texas
Division of Emergency Management, shall identify study areas and
evaluate for those areas:
(1) the cost of burying existing overhead power lines;
(2) the cost of maintaining and repairing underground
power lines;
(3) potential cost savings associated with reduced
power outages;
(4) the effect of burying power lines on the
environment, such as land use and water quality; and
(5) the effect of burying power lines on public safety
and emergency response.
SECTION 4. REPORT. The commission shall submit a report of
the results of the study and any recommendations to the governor,
lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives
not later than December 31, 2024.
SECTION 5. EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires January 31,
2025.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2023.