The bill, H.B. No. 1343, proposes the addition of Section 35.154 to Subchapter E, Chapter 35 of 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. It 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 bill outlines specific requirements for permit applications, including location descriptions, fire department notifications, and compliance with safety regulations to mitigate fire risks and ensure access to residential areas.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission adopt rules regarding the location of these facilities and allows for public meetings to discuss permit applications if requested by local legislators or if there is significant public interest. The commission is also authorized to impose a fee on permit applicants to cover the costs associated with the permitting process. The provisions of this section will apply only to electric energy storage equipment or facilities interconnected to a transmission facility on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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