Bill > SB483

This bill creates a new section in the Texas Utilities Code that establishes rules for sharing proprietary customer information between electric utilities and retail electric providers during service emergencies. Specifically, the bill defines "proprietary customer information" as identifying details like a customer's name, telephone number, email address, and home address. Electric utilities can request this information from retail electric providers when needed to communicate about service emergencies, interruptions, or restorations, and the providers must supply the information within 48 hours without requiring prior customer authorization. The bill mandates that any entity receiving this information must implement robust data security practices, including encryption and secure storage, and can only retain the information for as long as necessary to address the service issue. Additionally, the bill specifies that while most typical confidentiality regulations do not apply, Section 15.021 of the code will still govern violations. The new law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and does not impact broader consumer protection regulations under the Business & Commerce Code.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB483