Bill > HB941

This bill establishes the Texas Grid Security Commission (TGSC) to comprehensively evaluate and improve the resilience of the state's electric grid against a wide range of potential hazards. The commission will be composed of representatives from various state agencies and energy sectors, tasked with conducting a thorough assessment of potential threats including natural disasters, cyber attacks, electromagnetic pulses, and physical infrastructure vulnerabilities. By October 1, 2026, the commission must develop and submit a detailed plan to the legislature outlining resilience standards and strategies for protecting the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power grid, with a focus on critical infrastructure sectors like emergency services, communications, healthcare, water systems, and transportation. The bill aims to address the devastating consequences of previous power outages, such as the February 2021 event that caused deaths, economic losses, and exacerbated pandemic risks, by creating a proactive approach to grid security. The commission will be required to produce an annual public report assessing threats and mitigation efforts, consult with experts and federal agencies, and recommend both short-term and long-term improvements to ensure the state's electric grid can withstand and quickly recover from potential catastrophic events.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB941