The bill, H.B. No. 5145, introduces new provisions regarding the sharing and protection of proprietary customer information by retail electric providers and electric utilities in Texas. It defines "proprietary customer information" to include identifying details such as a customer's name, telephone number, email address, and home address. The bill allows electric utilities to request this information from retail electric providers without needing prior customer authorization, specifically for communication related to emergencies, service interruptions, or restoration of service. Retail electric providers are required to comply with such requests within 48 hours.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any entity obtaining proprietary customer information must implement reasonable security practices to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data. It also stipulates that the information should not be retained longer than necessary for the intended communication purposes. Notably, the bill clarifies that certain existing regulations do not apply to violations of this section, while others do, ensuring a framework for accountability. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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