81R8497 JJT-D
 
  By: Ellis S.B. No. 1885
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to strategies to better protect electric transmission and
  distribution assets against natural disasters.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter I to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER I. STRATEGIES TO PROTECT ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND
  DISTRIBUTION ASSETS FROM NATURAL DISASTERS
         Sec. 418.251.  ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
  ASSETS PROTECTION PLAN. (a) To prevent weather-related damage to
  electric transmission and distribution assets that may otherwise
  result in widespread electric service outages, the division shall
  develop and implement a plan under which electric utilities in
  areas prone to weather-related disasters shall undertake to:
               (1)  harden transmission and distribution assets
  against weather-related damage; and
               (2)  implement strategies to prevent weather-related
  damage to transmission and distribution assets, including more
  aggressive management of vegetation before and during hurricane
  season.
         (b)  The Public Utility Commission of Texas shall adopt rules
  to ensure that electric utilities comply with division plan
  requirements adopted under this section.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.