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.