Bill > HB613

This bill addresses the interconnection of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power grid with transmission grids outside its region, providing new authority for transmission and distribution utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives to construct and operate facilities that can access transmission services and purchase wholesale power from outside the ERCOT power region. The legislation allows these utilities to build interconnection facilities with both synchronous and non-synchronous connections, requires the Public Utility Commission to request federal approvals and identify potential transmission facilities for synchronous interconnection by September 1, 2027, and establishes a process for obtaining certificates of convenience and necessity for such interconnections. The bill mandates that the commission approve interconnection applications unless they pose a significant and imminent risk to public health and safety, and requires utilities to apply for certificates at least 180 days before seeking Federal Energy Regulatory Commission orders related to the interconnection. By expanding ERCOT's grid connectivity options, the bill aims to increase flexibility in power transmission and potentially improve electric grid reliability, with the new provisions set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB613