House Bill No. 1343 proposes the addition of Section 35.154 to the Utilities Code, which establishes a permitting process for the installation of electric energy storage equipment or facilities intended for wholesale energy sales in the ERCOT power region. The bill stipulates that no person, including electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities, may install such equipment without holding a permit issued by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The commission is tasked with creating rules that ensure these installations are located a safe distance from other storage facilities to mitigate fire risks and to ensure access to residential areas in case of emergencies.

Additionally, the bill outlines the application process for obtaining a permit, which includes providing detailed information about the proposed location and type of equipment, as well as notifying local fire response entities. The commission is required to notify the county judge of the application and may hold public meetings if requested by a legislator or if there is significant public interest. The commission can only approve permits if they comply with state and federal laws and the proposed locations meet safety regulations. Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of a fee for permit applicants to cover the costs associated with the implementation of this section, with the law taking effect on September 1, 2025.

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