(1) Amend CSSB 7, Sec. 39.603 (page 40, line 29) by adding the words, "provided by subsections (d) through (j)" after the words "low-income electric customers". (2) Amend CSSB 7, Sec. 39.603 (page 40) by deleting lines 34 through 36, and replacing them with the following: (d) Notwithstanding Sec. 39.106(b), the commission shall adopt rules regarding programs to assist low-income electric customers. Such programs shall include: (1) Reduced electric rates as provided by subsections (e) through (j); and (2) targeted energy efficiency programs to be administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in coordination with existing weatherization programs. (e) Until January 1, 2002, or such time as customer choice is in effect, an electric utility may not reduce, in any manner, programs already offered to assist low-income customers. (f) Following the introduction of customer choice, the commission shall adopt rules to determine a reduced rate to be discounted off the standard retail service package as approved by the commission pursuant to Sec. 39.106, or the "price to beat" established by Sec. 39.202, whichever is lower. (g) The commission may provide for a reduced rate: (1) during periods when severe weather occurs or is likely to occur; or (2) for customers living in all-electric dwelling units or who depend on electrically-operated medical equipment. (h) A retail electric provider not subject to the "price to beat" shall be reimbursed for the difference between the reduced rate and the rate established pursuant to Sec. 39.106. A retail electric provider who is subject the "price to beat" shall be reimbursed for the difference between the reduced rate and the "price to beat." (i) A retail electric provider is prohibited from charging the customer a fee for participation in the reduced rate program. (j) For the purposes of this section, a "low-income electric customer" is an electric customer who is a qualifying low-income consumer as defined by the commission.