The bill amends the Texas Utilities Code to enhance the framework for electricity services, particularly regarding transmission services and the responsibilities of municipalities in the siting, construction, and enlargement of transmission facilities. Key changes include the definition of "transmission service," which now explicitly includes the siting, construction, or enlargement of transmission facilities and related infrastructure, such as substations and control area services. Additionally, the bill stipulates that municipalities must provide written notice to electric utilities detailing conditions for consent regarding these activities and establishes a default consent provision if the municipality does not respond within 90 days.

Furthermore, the bill grants electric utilities the authority to construct, maintain, and operate lines and related facilities on public property, including state highways and municipal streets. It also requires municipalities to notify electric utilities of any conditions they impose for consent to such activities, with a similar 90-day response window for implied consent. The bill aims to streamline the process for electric utilities while ensuring municipalities have a say in the development of transmission infrastructure within their jurisdictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 31.002, Utilities Code 37.052, Utilities Code 181.042, Utilities Code 181.043 (Utilities Code 31, Utilities Code 37, Utilities Code 181)