Bill > HB5145

This bill establishes new rules for sharing and protecting proprietary customer information in the electric utility sector in Texas. Specifically, the bill defines proprietary customer information as identifying details like a customer's name, telephone number, email address, and home address. Electric utilities are now permitted to request such information from retail electric providers in order to communicate with customers about service emergencies, interruptions, or restorations, and retail electric providers must provide this information within 48 hours without needing prior customer authorization. The bill requires that any entity receiving this information must establish robust data security practices, including encryption and secure storage, and may only retain the information for as long as necessary to address the specific service communication needs. The legislation also stipulates that recipients cannot use the information for purposes beyond emergency and service-related communications, and it imposes penalties for violations while maintaining consistency with existing business and commerce regulations. The new law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, providing utilities and providers time to adapt to the new requirements.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5145