House Bill No. 5224 proposes amendments to the Natural Resources Code regarding the designation of certain natural gas facilities as seasonally critical. The bill introduces new criteria for designating facilities as critical customers, emphasizing that only those prepared to operate during weather emergencies can receive this designation. Additionally, it establishes a new category of "seasonal critical customers," which allows facilities to be designated based on specific seasonal criteria set by the commission. The commission is tasked with creating standards for determining the seasons and a process for facility owners to apply for this designation.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas adopt necessary rules by February 1, 2026, to implement these changes. The Railroad Commission must provide an initial list of designated seasonal critical customers by March 31, 2026, which the Public Utility Commission will then share with the relevant independent organization for the ERCOT power region by April 30, 2026. The act is set to 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: Subchapter C, Chapter , Natural Resources Code 81.073 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Natural Resources Code 81)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 81.073 (Natural Resources Code 81, Subchapter C, Chapter , Natural Resources Code 81)
Engrossed: Natural Resources Code 81.073 (Natural Resources Code 81, Subchapter C, Chapter , Natural Resources Code 81)