H.B. No. 1606 amends the Utilities Code to enhance the information provided to retail electric customers regarding critical care and load management procedures. Specifically, it requires electric utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives to include information in customer bills about the procedures for involuntary load shedding, the classification of critical care and industrial customers, and the process for customers to apply for these classifications. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for utilities to inform customers about reducing electricity use during load shedding events and the procedure for requesting vegetation management near transmission or distribution lines.

The bill adds new subsections to Section 17.003, 17.005, and 17.006 of the Utilities Code, which specify that utilities must periodically provide information about the procedure for requesting vegetation management alongside existing information. The amendments aim to ensure that customers are well-informed about both their rights and responsibilities regarding electricity usage and safety measures related to vegetation management. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 17.003, Utilities Code 17.005, Utilities Code 17.006 (Utilities Code 17)
House Committee Report: Utilities Code 17.003, Utilities Code 17.005, Utilities Code 17.006 (Utilities Code 17)
Engrossed: Utilities Code 17.003, Utilities Code 17.005, Utilities Code 17.006 (Utilities Code 17)
Senate Committee Report: Utilities Code 17.003, Utilities Code 17.005, Utilities Code 17.006 (Utilities Code 17)
Enrolled: Utilities Code 17.003, Utilities Code 17.005, Utilities Code 17.006 (Utilities Code 17)