86R4569 GRM-F
 
  By: Moody, González of El Paso, Blanco, H.B. No. 853
      Ortega, Fierro, et al.
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the deployment of advanced metering and meter
  information networks in certain areas outside of ERCOT.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter L, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is
  amended by adding Section 39.5521 to read as follows:
         Sec. 39.5521. METERING.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section
  39.552, an electric utility subject to this subchapter that elects
  to deploy advanced metering and meter information networks may
  recover reasonable and necessary costs incurred in deploying
  advanced metering and meter information networks. An electric
  utility that elects to deploy advanced metering or meter
  information networks is subject to commission rules adopted under
  Sections 39.107(h) and (k). The commission shall ensure that any
  deployment plan approved under this section and any related
  customer surcharge:
               (1)  are not applicable to customer accounts that
  receive service at transmission voltage; and
               (2)  are consistent with commission rules related to
  advanced metering systems regarding:
                     (A)  customer protections;
                     (B)  data security, privacy, and ownership; and 
                     (C)  options given consumers to continue to
  receive service through a non-advanced meter.
         (b)  An electric utility subject to this subchapter that
  elects to deploy an advanced meter information network shall deploy
  the network as rapidly as practicable to allow customers to better
  manage energy use and control costs.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2019.