Relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by an operator to maintain an electrical power line serving a well site or certain surface facilities in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
Impact
The bill imposes new obligations on operators regarding the maintenance of electrical power lines, thereby standardizing safety practices across the industry. If the commission discovers any non-compliance with the NEC during inspections, it is required to notify the Public Utility Commission. Collaborative efforts between these two state agencies aim to rectify such conditions, ensuring that any failures are addressed promptly. This could lead to a higher level of safety in operations, potentially reducing the risk of electrical failures that may lead to accidents, outages, or hazardous situations affecting workers and the environment.
Summary
House Bill 2453 addresses the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas concerning the maintenance of electrical power lines that serve well sites and certain surface facilities utilized in oil and gas operations. The bill mandates that operators must construct, operate, and maintain these electrical power lines in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is designed to ensure safety and minimize risks associated with electrical systems in hazardous environments. This legislation aligns state regulations with established national safety standards, promoting a safer operational environment for oil and gas development.
Contention
While the bill is generally perceived as a positive step toward enhancing safety procedures in the oil and gas industry, there may be concerns regarding the potential impact on operational freedom for smaller operators. Some may argue that compliance with the NEC could introduce additional costs and regulatory burdens, particularly for smaller companies struggling to meet these standards. Furthermore, the need for more rigorous inspections and oversight could be seen as an overreach by regulatory bodies, leading to apprehension within the industry about increased state oversight and potential liabilities.
Same As
Relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by an operator to maintain an electrical power line serving a well site or certain surface facilities in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
Identical
Relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by an operator to maintain an electrical power line serving a well site or certain surface facilities in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
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.
Relating to information maintained by certain municipally owned utilities that provide electricity services and cable, Internet, or broadband services.