S.B. No. 715 aims to establish reliability requirements for electric generation facilities within the ERCOT power region. The bill amends existing provisions in the Utilities Code, specifically Sections 39.1592(a) and (d). It specifies that the reliability requirements apply only to electric generation facilities that have been operational for at least one year and are not self-generators. Additionally, it introduces new criteria under which the independent organization may not impose penalties for resource unavailability, including provisions for resources that can operate continuously for 24 hours at or above their seasonal average generation capability, as well as those with dual grid interconnections.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Public Utility Commission of Texas to explore various methods for imposing penalties and considers the potential for rebating penalties to consumers or redirecting them towards reliability incentives. It allows for a phased implementation of financial penalties and incentives to avoid market disruptions that could lead to increased costs for consumers. 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)