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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to strategies to better protect electric transmission and |
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distribution assets against natural disasters. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by |
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adding Subchapter I to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER I. STRATEGIES TO PROTECT ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND |
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DISTRIBUTION ASSETS FROM NATURAL DISASTERS |
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Sec. 418.251. ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION |
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ASSETS PROTECTION PLAN. (a) To prevent weather-related damage to |
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electric transmission and distribution assets that may otherwise |
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result in widespread electric service outages, the division shall |
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develop and implement a plan under which electric utilities in |
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areas prone to weather-related disasters shall undertake to: |
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(1) harden transmission and distribution assets |
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against weather-related damage; and |
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(2) implement strategies to prevent weather-related |
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damage to transmission and distribution assets, including more |
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aggressive management of vegetation before and during hurricane |
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season. |
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(b) The Public Utility Commission of Texas shall adopt rules |
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to ensure that electric utilities comply with division plan |
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requirements adopted under this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |