BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1794

                                                                                                                                    By: Armbrister

Natural Resources

4/21/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP) enacted by the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, was intended as a regulatory tool to provide timely interim adjustment to gas utility rates and reduce rate case expenses.  The absence of a definite suspension period in the statute has led to cities imposing varying suspension periods. 

As proposed, S.B. 1794 provides a definite time limit for suspensions of GRIP filings, thus promoting the timeliness of filing reviews, eliminating discussions and related costs about a proper suspension period, and providing for consistent handling of these filings.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 104.301(a), Utilities Code, to authorize the Texas Railroad Commission or the governing body of a municipality, as appropriate, to act to suspend the implementation of a tariff, rate schedule, or annual adjustment for up to 45 days, during the 60-day period [before the proposed implementation date of the tariff].

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.