H.B. No. 4668 amends the Utilities Code by adding Section 39.004, which grants the Public Utility Commission of Texas the authority to retain various professionals, such as consultants, accountants, auditors, engineers, or attorneys, to represent the commission in regional proceedings related to electric utilities. This includes matters concerning the relationship of electric utilities to power regions, agreements among utilities and their affiliates, and other issues that may impact retail customer rates. The bill outlines the types of assistance that can be provided, such as conducting studies, investigations, and presenting evidence.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the electric utility involved in the proceedings is responsible for paying the reasonable costs of the retained professionals, capped at $1.5 million within a 12-month period. It allows the utility to recover these costs through a rider, subject to commission approval. The commission is required to consult with the attorney general before hiring certain professionals, and it cannot engage individuals who must register under specific government regulations. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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