The bill, titled "An Act relating to the management and removal of vegetation and debris by certain electric utilities," introduces a new Subchapter G to Chapter 38 of the Utilities Code. This subchapter establishes definitions related to vegetation management and outlines requirements for electric utilities operating in first tier coastal counties or areas with high flood risk. Specifically, it mandates that these utilities include a vegetation management plan and processes for debris removal in their emergency operations plans. The bill also details the necessary components of the vegetation management plan, including implementation processes, expected trimming mileage, and estimated costs, which must be reviewed and approved by the commission.

Additionally, the bill allows electric utilities to recover costs associated with their vegetation management plans through a cost recovery factor, provided these costs are approved in the plan proceeding. It stipulates that utilities must submit annual adjustments to this recovery factor, reflecting changes in projected costs and any over- or under-collections from the previous year. Furthermore, the bill permits utilities to defer certain costs related to debris removal from natural disasters for future recovery as regulatory assets. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the management of vegetation and debris to improve utility service reliability in vulnerable areas.

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