H.B. 2548 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2548 By: King Regulated Industries Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, under the Public Utilities Regulatory Act it is unclear whether or not the Public Utility Commission of Texas has the authority to order a public utility to construct transmission and distribution infrastructure. This bill would clarify that the PUC has the authority to order the construction of such transmission and distribution facilities. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS This bill amends Section 39.203(e), Utilities Code, to authorize the Public Utility Commission of Texas to require an electric utility or a transmission and distribution utility to construct transmission lines to meet the goal for renewable capacity established by Section 39.904(a). EFFECTIVE DATE Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2003.