The bill, H.B. No. 222, introduces a new subchapter to the Utilities Code focused on the management and removal of vegetation and debris by electric utilities, particularly in first tier coastal counties or areas with high flood risk. It mandates that electric utilities develop and include a vegetation management plan in their emergency operations plans, detailing processes for vegetation management and debris removal after natural disasters. The bill outlines specific requirements for these plans, including implementation processes, expected trimming mileage, and estimated costs, which must be reviewed and approved by the commission within 180 days.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for cost recovery related to vegetation management and debris removal. Electric utilities can recover costs through a vegetation management cost recovery factor, which must be approved by the commission. The bill allows utilities to defer certain costs as regulatory assets for future recovery and specifies that proceedings under this section are not considered rate proceedings. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the preparedness and response of electric utilities in managing vegetation and debris, thereby improving service reliability during and after natural disasters.

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