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89(R) HB 5200 - Engrossed version - Bill Text
89R26232 SCR-F
By: Anchía, Darby, McQueeney, Smithee,
H.B. No. 5200
Y. Davis of Dallas
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the evaluation and use of grid enhancing technologies
and high-performance conductors.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 39.171 to read as follows:
Sec.
39.171.
EVALUATION AND USE OF GRID ENHANCING
TECHNOLOGY AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONDUCTORS.
(a)
In this section:
(1)
"Grid enhancing technology" means any hardware or
software technology that enables or provides enhanced or more
efficient performance from the electric transmission system.
(2)
"High-performance conductors" means modern
conductor technologies that have improved performance
characteristics, such as increased capacity, higher efficiency,
and reduced or no thermal sag.
(b)
The commission shall ensure that the independent
organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power
region evaluates on a periodic basis, to be determined by the
commission, the potential use of grid enhancing technologies and
high-performance conductors for the purpose of:
(1) increasing transmission capacity;
(2) reducing transmission system congestion;
(3) increasing reliability of electric services;
(4)
increasing safety of transmission system
crossings over water; and
(5) reducing the risk of wildfires.
(c)
An evaluation under Subsection (b) must include
considerations of the availability, technical feasibility,
repairability, durability, operational risks, long-term load
support viability, and cost-effectiveness of grid enhancing
technologies and high-performance conductors.
(d)
The independent organization certified under Section
39.151 for the ERCOT power region may prepare a report of available
grid enhancing technologies and high-performance conductors for
electric utilities and electric cooperatives to consider in
constructing and operating the utilities' or cooperatives'
facilities.
The independent organization may decline to recommend
the use of a particular grid enhancing technology or
high-performance conductor if the independent organization
determines the technology or conductor is not readily available or
implementation of the technology or conductor would not be feasible
or cost-effective for the ERCOT power region.
(e)
If the independent organization certified under Section
39.151 for the ERCOT power region determines that the use of a grid
enhancing technology or high-performance conductor is technically
feasible and cost-effective, an electric cooperative, electric
utility, or municipally owned utility may use the technology or
conductor.
(f)
An electric utility shall include with each application
for a new or amended certificate of convenience and necessity for a
transmission project under Chapter 37 an evaluation of the
potential for integration into the project of technologies
recommended in a report produced under Subsection (d).
SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2026, the Public
Utility Commission of Texas shall adopt any rules necessary to
implement Section 39.171, Utilities Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.