By: Geren H.B. No. 5066
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the criteria for determining the electric need for
certain transmission projects.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 37.056, Utilities Code, is amended by
amending Subsections (c)(4)(F) to read as follows:
(F) to the extent applicable, the effect of
granting the certificate on the ability of this state to meet the
goal established by Section 39.904(a) of this title the need to
extend transmission service into regions where existing and
projected load, as defined in (c-1) of this section, is or will be
underserved, including areas where existing transmission service
is unreasonably remote, available capacity is unreasonably limited
at transmission or distribution voltage, or load cannot be timely
interconnected.
SECTION 2. Section 37.056, Utilities Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (c-1) to read as follow:
(c-1) In considering the need for additional service under
Subsection (c)(2) for a reliability transmission project that
serves the ERCOT power region, the commission must consider the
historical load, forecasted load growth, and additional load
currently seeking interconnection as determined by the utility
certificated to serve the load, which may include load that has not
yet signed an interconnection agreement.
Section 3. Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is amended by adding
Subsection 39.161 to read as follows:
39.161. Regions with Rapid Customer Demand Growth. If the
commission identifies a region of the state where transmission
capacity is insufficient to serve existing and projected load, as
reasonably determined by the certificated utility, it shall develop
and implement a plan to reliably serve forecasted customer demand
in a timely manner. Such a plan shall include considerations to
ensure timely planning and approval of necessary transmission
improvements. The commission shall develop a plan under this
section for the Permian Basin region no later than January 30, 2024.
Section 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.