The bill, H.B. No. 5145, introduces new provisions regarding the sharing and protection of proprietary customer information by electric utilities in Texas. It defines "proprietary customer information" as identifying details about individual customers, such as their name, telephone number, email address, and home address. The bill allows electric utilities to request this information from retail electric providers when necessary for communication regarding emergencies, service interruptions, or restoration of service. Retail electric providers are required to provide this information within 48 hours of the request without needing prior authorization from the customer.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that electric utilities may share proprietary customer information with other parties for the same purposes without prior customer authorization. It mandates that any entity obtaining this information must implement reasonable security practices to protect its confidentiality and may not retain the information longer than necessary. The bill clarifies that certain existing laws do not apply to violations of this section, while others do, ensuring a framework for the handling of proprietary customer information. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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