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.