By: King H.B. No. 2548
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas
to order construction of electric transmission capacity.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 39.203(e), Utilities Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(e) The commission may require an electric utility or a
transmission and distribution utility to construct or enlarge
facilities to ensure safe and reliable service for the state's
electric markets, and to meet the goal for renewable capacity
established by Section 39.904(a). In any proceeding brought under
Chapter 37, an electric utility or transmission and distribution
utility ordered to construct or enlarge facilities under this
subchapter need not prove that the construction ordered is
necessary for the service, accommodation, convenience, or safety of
the public and need not address the factors listed in Sections
37.056(c)(1)-(3) and (4)(E).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.