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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the deployment of advanced metering and meter |
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information networks in certain areas outside of ERCOT. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter L, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 39.5521 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 39.5521. METERING. (a) Notwithstanding Section |
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39.552, an electric utility subject to this subchapter that elects |
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to deploy advanced metering and meter information networks may |
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recover reasonable and necessary costs incurred in deploying |
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advanced metering and meter information networks. An electric |
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utility that elects to deploy advanced metering or meter |
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information networks is subject to commission rules adopted under |
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Sections 39.107(h) and (k). The commission shall ensure that any |
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deployment plan approved under this section and any related |
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customer surcharge: |
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(1) are not applicable to customer accounts that |
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receive service at transmission voltage; and |
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(2) are consistent with commission rules related to |
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advanced metering systems regarding: |
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(A) customer protections; |
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(B) data security, privacy, and ownership; and |
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(C) options given consumers to continue to |
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receive service through a non-advanced meter. |
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(b) An electric utility subject to this subchapter that |
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elects to deploy an advanced meter information network shall deploy |
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the network as rapidly as practicable to allow customers to better |
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manage energy use and control costs. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |