S.B. No. 715 aims to establish reliability requirements for electric generation facilities within the ERCOT power region. The bill amends Sections 39.1592(a) and (d) of the Utilities Code, specifying that the reliability requirements apply only to facilities that have been operational for at least one year and are not self-generators. It introduces new provisions that exempt certain resources from penalties for unavailability due to planned maintenance or transmission outages, as well as those that can demonstrate the ability to operate continuously for 24 hours at or above their seasonal average generation capability. Additionally, it allows for exemptions for resources with dual grid interconnections that provide dispatchable generation.

The bill also includes provisions for the Public Utility Commission of Texas to adopt necessary rules by January 1, 2027, and allows for a phased implementation of financial penalties and incentives to avoid market disruptions. It repeals certain sections from H.B. 1500 and mandates that any penalties collected may be rebated to consumers or redirected towards reliability incentives. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 39.1592 (Utilities Code 39)
Senate Committee Report: Utilities Code 39.1592 (Utilities Code 39)
Engrossed: Utilities Code 39.1592 (Utilities Code 39)