Bill > HB5569

This bill establishes comprehensive fire safety standards and emergency operations requirements for battery energy storage facilities in Texas. The state fire marshal is mandated to develop and periodically update fire safety standards based on national model codes and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, specifically referencing NFPA 855. Battery operators, including electric cooperatives, electric utilities, and power generation companies, must ensure their energy storage systems comply with these standards at the time of interconnection. The bill requires battery operators to contract with independent third-party engineers to evaluate the design, safety, and installation of battery storage facilities, producing detailed reports for local municipalities or counties. Additionally, operators must develop site-specific emergency operations plans that identify potential risks, establish hazard mitigation procedures, outline communication protocols with first responders, and include safety measures for residents, neighboring properties, first responders, and the environment. Operators must provide these plans to local first responders before beginning commercial operations and offer annual no-cost training to emergency personnel about battery energy storage technology and incident response. Importantly, the bill prevents local municipalities and counties from adopting conflicting fire safety regulations, and the new requirements will apply to battery energy storage facilities interconnected on or after January 1, 2027, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5569