S.B. No. 2148 amends Section 38.077 of the Utilities Code to enhance the reliability of the electricity supply chain in Texas. The bill introduces new definitions and requirements for conducting simulated or tabletop exercises related to load shedding and the protection of critical facilities, such as transmission substations. Specifically, it mandates that the Public Utility Commission and the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region conduct these exercises with electric generation and transmission service providers at least once every two years. The exercises aim to prepare for potential physical attacks on critical facilities and must identify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including law enforcement.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that providers participating in these exercises must coordinate with law enforcement and provide written attestations of this coordination. It also clarifies that transmission and distribution service providers are not required to disclose the specific locations of their critical substations during these exercises. The bill requires that the first round of exercises be completed by December 31, 2026, and it will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 38.077 (Utilities Code 38)
Senate Committee Report: Utilities Code 38.077 (Utilities Code 38)
Engrossed: Utilities Code 38.077 (Utilities Code 38)
House Committee Report: Utilities Code 38.077 (Utilities Code 38)
Enrolled: Utilities Code 38.077 (Utilities Code 38)