The bill, H.B. No. 3069, aims to enhance the approval process for certificates of convenience and necessity for certain transmission projects within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power region. It introduces new criteria for evaluating these projects, specifically targeting those that are not essential for meeting state or federal reliability standards. The Public Utility Commission of Texas is tasked with establishing supplemental multi-decade transmission planning criteria that will assess potential cost savings for consumers through various evaluation methods, including discount rates and scenario planning. Additionally, the commission is required to include its findings based on these criteria when making decisions on applications for certificates.

Furthermore, the bill allows the commission to consider evaluations conducted by an independent organization certified for the ERCOT region when deciding on certificate grants. The implementation of these changes is mandated to be completed by September 1, 2026, and they will only apply to proceedings that commence on or after that date. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 37.056 (Utilities Code 37)
House Committee Report: Utilities Code 37.056 (Utilities Code 37)
Engrossed: Utilities Code 37.056 (Utilities Code 37)