LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
March 21, 2011

TO:
Honorable John Carona, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
 
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB1125 by Carona (Relating to energy efficiency goals and programs and the participation of loads in certain energy markets.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1125, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($200,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2013.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2012 ($200,000)
2013 $0
2014 $0
2015 $0
2016 $0




Fiscal Year Probable (Cost) from
General Revenue Fund
1
2012 ($200,000)
2013 $0
2014 $0
2015 $0
2016 $0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend the utilities code relating to energy efficiency goals and programs and the participation of loads in certain energy markets. The bill would require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill would also require the PUC to conduct a study to determine the effect of including avoided transmission and distribution capacity costs as a factor in evaluating the benefits of energy efficiency, the appropriate cost of energy to be included as a factor in an analysis used to determine whether programs are cost effective, and how reductions in demand and consumption provided by energy efficiency programs affect the market clearing price in ERCOT. The commission shall report its findings from the study not later than September 1, 2012.

The bill would repeal section 39.905(b-2) of the Utilities Code.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.


Methodology

According to the analysis submitted by the PUC, conducting the study required under the provisions of the bill would necessitate that the PUC hire a consultant to assist with the analysis. The PUC estimates that hiring a consultant for this purpose would require $200,000 in Professional Fees and Services in fiscal year 2012. This estimate is based on the cost of past studies and the comparative complexity of the study required by this bill. Also, it is assumed that the rulemaking proceedings required by this bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources based on the analysis of the PUC.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
473 Public Utility Commission of Texas
LBB Staff:
JOB, AG, MW, RAN