The bill, H.B. No. 4851, aims to enhance the reliability of the electricity supply chain in Texas by amending Section 38.077 of the Utilities Code. It 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. The bill specifies that the Public Utility Commission and the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region must conduct these exercises with electric generation and transmission service providers at least once every two years. Additionally, it mandates that these exercises must identify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including law enforcement, in the event of a physical attack on critical facilities.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that transmission and distribution service providers are not required to disclose the specific locations of their critical substations during these exercises. It also requires providers participating in the exercises to submit a written attestation confirming their coordination with law enforcement regarding their roles and responsibilities. The bill sets a deadline of December 31, 2026, for the completion of the first round of these exercises. If passed, the act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 38.077 (Utilities Code 38)