H.B. No. 199 aims to facilitate the interconnection of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power grid with external grids. The bill amends the definition of ERCOT in Section 31.002(5) of the Utilities Code to include provisions for synchronous interconnections with areas outside Texas, contingent upon approval from the commission. Additionally, it introduces Chapter 39A to the Utilities Code, which outlines the authority of transmission and distribution utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives to construct and operate facilities necessary for accessing transmission services and purchasing power from outside the ERCOT region.

The bill also grants the commission the authority to request federal approvals for interconnections and mandates that the independent organization certified for ERCOT must approve such interconnections unless they pose a significant risk to public health and safety. Furthermore, it establishes a process for obtaining certificates of convenience and necessity for interconnections, ensuring that applications are approved unless they present imminent risks. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 31.002 (Utilities Code 31)