HB5200 - Relating to the evaluation and use of grid enhancing technologies and high-performance conductors.

  89R26232 SCR-F     By: Anchía, Darby, McQueeney, Smithee, H.B. No. 5200       Y. Davis of Dallas       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the evaluation and use of grid enhancing technologies   and high-performance conductors.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is   amended by adding Section 39.171 to read as follows:           Sec.   39.171.     EVALUATION AND USE OF GRID ENHANCING   TECHNOLOGY AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONDUCTORS.   (a)   In this section:                 (1)     "Grid enhancing technology" means any hardware or   software technology that enables or provides enhanced or more   efficient performance from the electric transmission system.                 (2)     "High-performance conductors" means modern   conductor technologies that have improved performance   characteristics, such as increased capacity, higher efficiency,   and reduced or no thermal sag.           (b)     The commission shall ensure that the independent   organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power   region evaluates on a periodic basis, to be determined by the   commission, the potential use of grid enhancing technologies and   high-performance conductors for the purpose of:                 (1)  increasing transmission capacity;                 (2)  reducing transmission system congestion;                 (3)  increasing reliability of electric services;                 (4)     increasing safety of transmission system   crossings over water; and                 (5)  reducing the risk of wildfires.           (c)     An evaluation under Subsection (b) must include   considerations of the availability, technical feasibility,   repairability, durability, operational risks, long-term load   support viability, and cost-effectiveness of grid enhancing   technologies and high-performance conductors.           (d)     The independent organization certified under Section   39.151 for the ERCOT power region may prepare a report of available   grid enhancing technologies and high-performance conductors for   electric utilities and electric cooperatives to consider in   constructing and operating the utilities' or cooperatives'   facilities.   The independent organization may decline to recommend   the use of a particular grid enhancing technology or   high-performance conductor if the independent organization   determines the technology or conductor is not readily available or   implementation of the technology or conductor would not be feasible   or cost-effective for the ERCOT power region.           (e)     If the independent organization certified under Section   39.151 for the ERCOT power region determines that the use of a grid   enhancing technology or high-performance conductor is technically   feasible and cost-effective, an electric cooperative, electric   utility, or municipally owned utility may use the technology or   conductor.           (f)     An electric utility shall include with each application   for a new or amended certificate of convenience and necessity for a   transmission project under Chapter 37 an evaluation of the   potential for integration into the project of technologies   recommended in a report produced under Subsection (d).          SECTION 2.  Not later than January 1, 2026, the Public   Utility Commission of Texas shall adopt any rules necessary to   implement Section 39.171, Utilities Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.