S.B. No. 1308 mandates that electric cooperatives, municipally owned utilities, and transmission and distribution utilities in the ERCOT power region develop a communication plan specifically for use during weather emergencies. The new law requires these entities to establish a priority telephone hotline that allows critical care residential customers, critical load industrial customers, certain facilities, and other designated critical load customers to report power outages and request information, including estimated restoration times. Additionally, the communication plan must outline how these utilities will inform the relevant customers about the hotline.

The bill adds a new subsection (c-1) to Section 38.075 of the Utilities Code, detailing the requirements for the communication plan. This legislation aims to enhance the responsiveness and communication of electric service providers during emergencies, ensuring that vulnerable customers receive timely information and assistance. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 38.075 (Utilities Code 38)