By: Fraser S.B. No. 1821

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study and a pilot project with regard to, and the implementation of policies to promote, the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 39.917 to read as follows:

Sec. 39.917. EVALUATION OF POLICIES REGARDING PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES; PILOT PROJECT. (a) In this section, "plug-in hybrid electric vehicle" means a vehicle that:

(1) draws motive power from a battery with a capacity of at least four kilowatt-hours;

(2) can be recharged from an external source of electricity for motive power; and

(3) is a light-duty motor vehicle as defined by Section 386.151, Health and Safety Code.

(b) The commission shall study the potential for wide-scale adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and shall submit a report to the 82nd Legislature regarding the commission's findings. The report shall include:

(1) a summary and evaluation of studies by other organizations relating to the sufficiency of the transmission and distribution grid and existing generation capacity to charge vehicles;

(2) a summary and evaluation of studies quantifying the air quality benefits of the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, particularly in areas that are, or are likely to be, nonattainment areas;

(3) an evaluation of the sufficiency of existing and planned metering infrastructure, settlement policies, and retail pricing offers to provide adequate incentives for customers to charge vehicles during off-peak hours;

(4) an evaluation by transmission and distribution utilities of the potential impact of increased loading on distribution transformers due to increased use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; and

(5) recommendations to the legislature relating to legislation that the commission finds necessary to support the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles while maintaining a reliable transmission and distribution grid.

(c) Based on the results of the study required by this section, the commission may adopt rules as necessary to ensure that adequate electric infrastructure and policies are in place to support the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

(d) The commission shall consult with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, transmission and distribution utilities, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as appropriate, to conduct the study.

(e) The commission shall develop a pilot project, in consultation with local electric utilities or private contractors, for the establishment and operation of charging stations for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in state-owned parking lots and garages, including lots and garages in the Capitol Complex, as defined by Section 411.061, Government Code.

(f) The pilot project must also include:

(1) demonstrations on the use of charging stations for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the Capitol Complex;

(2) the solicitation of demonstrations of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including pickup trucks, delivery vehicles, and buses, for use in the state vehicle fleet; and

(3) facilitation of the use of ride-sharing or car-pooling programs that use plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and are sponsored or promoted by local governments.

(g) The commission may solicit and accept grants, gifts, and donations from any public or private source for the purposes of this section.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.