H.B. No. 5617 proposes amendments to the Texas Utilities Code to establish a new subchapter focused on the utilization of the Texas Energy Fund for supporting dispatchable electric generation that uses treated fluid oil and gas waste. The bill defines key terms such as "treated fluid oil and gas waste," "dispatchable electric generation," and "high renewable energy generation areas." It authorizes the Texas Energy Fund Administrator to allocate funds for projects that utilize treated fluid oil and gas waste as a primary water source for dispatchable electric generation, particularly in areas where renewable energy sources are prevalent, thereby addressing economic challenges faced by dispatchable power plants.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Public Utility Commission of Texas to oversee the integration of these criteria into the Texas Energy Fund's administration and to develop guidelines for project eligibility. The Texas Energy Fund Administrator, in collaboration with relevant environmental and regulatory agencies, is required to establish project application guidelines within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The allocated funds are intended for infrastructure development, operational incentives, and feasibility studies for eligible projects, with an annual review to assess the impact of these incentives on dispatchable generation investments. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage by a two-thirds majority or on September 1, 2025, if the necessary votes are not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 34.007 (Utilities Code 34)