The bill, H.B. No. 318, aims to facilitate the interconnection of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power grid with external power grids. It amends the definition of ERCOT in the Utilities Code to include provisions for synchronous interconnections with areas outside Texas, contingent upon approval from the commission. Additionally, the bill introduces Chapter 39A, which grants transmission and distribution utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives the authority to construct and operate facilities necessary for accessing transmission services and purchasing power from outside the ERCOT region.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the commission's 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. It also establishes a process for obtaining certificates of convenience and necessity for interconnections, ensuring that applications are approved unless they present imminent risks. The bill emphasizes the need for compliance with existing laws while prioritizing the new provisions introduced in Chapter 39A.

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