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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the deployment of advanced electric distribution |
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networks. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 39.1075 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 39.1075. ENHANCED ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS; |
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PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "enhanced electric |
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distribution network" means a two-way communication system and |
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associated equipment and software that provides real-time |
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monitoring, diagnostics, and control of electric distribution |
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lines and other components for an electric delivery system, |
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designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electric |
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delivery system and to facilitate storm recovery. |
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(b) Not later than December 1, 2009, each electric utility |
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shall file with the commission a plan to establish a pilot program |
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to study the cost-effectiveness of deploying an enhanced electric |
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distribution network. The commission shall approve or modify a plan |
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filed under this section not later than May 1, 2010. |
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(c) A plan filed with the commission under this section must |
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include a proposal for the treatment of incremental program costs. |
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Subject to commission approval, the incremental program costs are |
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recoverable as reasonable and necessary costs under Section |
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39.107(h). |
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(d) At a minimum, a pilot program under this section must: |
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(1) use advanced technology to operate an integrated |
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grid network communication system; |
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(2) operate in a specific geographic area; and |
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(3) remain in operation for at least six months. |
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(e) Not later than January 1, 2011, each electric utility |
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shall file with the commission a report on the results of the |
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electric utility's pilot program. |
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(f) This section does not require an electric utility to |
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conduct or complete a pilot program before implementing a permanent |
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or long-term enhanced electric distribution network project. |
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(g) To the extent practicable, an electric utility shall |
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obtain federal funds to support a pilot program under this section, |
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including funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of |
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2009 (Pub. L. No. 111-5) or the Energy Independence and Security Act |
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of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-140). |
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(h) This section expires September 2, 2011. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |