Bill > HB3493

This bill defines and regulates residential energy backup systems in Texas, specifically limiting municipal authority to regulate their installation and inspection. The bill defines a residential energy backup system as an energy system installed at a residential property that can provide up to 50 kilowatts of electricity or has a storage capacity of up to 100 kilowatt-hours. It prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing any amendments to the National Electrical Code or creating local ordinances that would regulate the installation or inspection of these backup systems. The bill modifies the Local Government Code to include this new definition and restriction, updating the subchapter heading to reflect the inclusion of backup energy devices alongside solar energy devices. The changes will only apply to residential energy backup system installations initiated on or after the bill's effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation appears aimed at standardizing and potentially simplifying the process of installing residential energy backup systems by preventing local governments from creating additional regulatory barriers.