H.B. No. 5224 amends the Natural Resources Code to establish criteria for designating certain natural gas facilities as "seasonally critical." The bill introduces new provisions that require the Railroad Commission of Texas to create rules for designating facilities as critical customers, specifically those prepared to operate during weather emergencies. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of criteria for designating these facilities as seasonal critical customers, including standards for determining the seasons of designation and a process for facility owners to apply for this status.

The bill also outlines a timeline for implementation, requiring the Railroad Commission to adopt necessary rules by February 1, 2026, and to provide an initial list of designated seasonal critical customers by March 31, 2026. The Public Utility Commission of Texas is tasked with using this list to facilitate the competitive procurement of demand reductions from these facilities during their designated seasons. 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: Subchapter C, Chapter , Natural Resources Code 81.073 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Natural Resources Code 81)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 81.073 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Natural Resources Code 81, Natural Resources Code 81)