House Bill No. 5569 introduces new regulations concerning fire safety standards and emergency operations plans for battery energy storage facilities in Texas. The bill adds Chapter 187 to the Utilities Code, which defines key terms such as "battery energy storage" and "battery operator." It mandates that the state fire marshal adopt and periodically update fire safety standards and testing requirements for battery energy storage, based on model code requirements and minimum standards established by the National Fire Protection Association. Battery operators and municipally owned utilities are required to ensure compliance with these standards at the time of interconnection and are prohibited from following any local ordinances that conflict with state regulations.

Additionally, the bill requires battery operators to develop site-specific emergency operations plans that address potential risks, hazard mitigation, and communication protocols with first responders. These plans must be provided to local fire protection services before commercial operations begin. The legislation also stipulates that battery operators must offer training to local first responders at no cost, covering the unique characteristics and hazards associated with battery energy storage technology. The provisions of this bill will apply to battery energy storage facilities for which interconnection is approved on or after January 1, 2027, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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