H.B. No. 2453 amends Section 91.019 of the Natural Resources Code to enhance the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas regarding the maintenance of electrical power lines serving well sites and surface facilities involved in oil and gas operations. The bill mandates that operators must construct, operate, and maintain these electrical power lines in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Additionally, it establishes a protocol for the commissions to follow if they discover non-compliance during inspections, including notifying the Public Utility Commission and collaborating with them to address any identified issues.

The new provisions require the commissions to notify the relevant electric utility about any conditions that do not meet the established standards and to take necessary actions, such as requesting inspections from the state fire marshal or local authorities, and potentially disconnecting electric service if deemed necessary. This legislation aims to ensure safety and compliance in the operation of electrical power lines associated with oil and gas development, with the new regulations taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 91.019 (Natural Resources Code 91)