S.B. No. 1252 amends the Local Government Code to define and regulate residential energy backup systems. A "residential energy backup system" is defined as a backup energy system installed at a residential property that can provide up to 50 kilowatts of electricity or has a storage capacity of no more than 100 kilowatt hours. The bill prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing any amendments to the National Electrical Code that would regulate the installation or inspection of these systems. However, it clarifies that municipally owned utilities retain the authority to regulate such systems within their service areas.

Additionally, the bill updates the heading of Subchapter C, Chapter 229, to include "AND BACKUP ENERGY DEVICES" and introduces a new section that reiterates the definition of residential energy backup systems while prohibiting municipalities from regulating their installation or inspection. The changes in law will only apply to installations or inspections initiated on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 214.211, Local Government Code 214.214 (Local Government Code 214)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 214.211, Local Government Code 214.214 (Local Government Code 214)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 214.211, Local Government Code 214.214 (Local Government Code 214)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 214.211, Local Government Code 214.214 (Local Government Code 214)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 214.211, Local Government Code 214.214 (Local Government Code 214)