By: AnchÃa H.B. No. 5200
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of grid enhancing technologies and
high-performance conductors in the ERCOT power region.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 36, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 36.216 to read as follows:
Sec. 36.216. GRID ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES AND
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONDUCTORS. (a) In this section:
(1) "Advanced power flow controller" means hardware
and software used to reroute electric energy from overloaded
transmission lines to underutilized transmission corridors by
adjusting circuit impedance.
(2) "Dynamic line rating system" means hardware or
software used to calculate the true capacity of transmission lines
using real-time and forecasted weather conditions.
(3) "Grid enhancing technology" means any hardware or
software technology that enables enhanced or more efficient
performance from the electric transmission system, including a
dynamic line rating system, advanced power flow controller
technology, dynamic contingency response, or a topology
optimization system or another technology identified by the
independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the
ERCOT power region.
(4) "High-performance conductors" means modern
conductor technologies, including carbon and composite core
conductors and carbon and composite superconductors, with greater
performance characteristics than aluminum-conductor
steel-reinforced conductors, such as increased capacity, higher
efficiency, and reduced or no thermal sag.
(5) "Topology optimization system" means software
technology that identifies reconfigurations of the transmission
grid to reroute electric energy from overloaded lines to
underutilized corridors.
(b) The commission shall ensure that the independent
organization certified under Section 39.151, Utilities Code, for
the ERCOT power region considers the technical feasibility and
cost-effectiveness using of grid enhancing technologies and
high-performance conductors in its evaluation of economic and
reliability projects during annual regional transmission planning
to increase transmission capacity, reduce transmission system
congestion, increase electric reliability, and reduce the risk of
wildfires. The independent organization may decline to recommend
the use of grid enhancing technologies in a particular instance it
determines that it would not be prudent.
SECTION 2. (a) The Public Utility Commission of Texas shall
adopt any necessary rules required by Section 36.216, Utilities
Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.