The bill amends Section 38.077 of the Utilities Code to enhance the reliability of the electricity supply chain in Texas. 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. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region conduct these exercises with electric generation service providers and transmission and distribution service providers. The exercises aim to prepare for potential physical attacks on critical facilities and must occur at least once every two years, in addition to annual exercises during summer and winter months.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that each provider participating in these exercises must coordinate with law enforcement and provide written attestation 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 under the new provisions be completed by December 31, 2026. 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)