87R11245 BRG-D

By: Thompson of Brazoria H.B. No. 4430

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of a power generation resiliency loan program administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 31, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Subchapter C to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER C. POWER GENERATION RESILIENCY PROGRAM

Sec. 31.101. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "resiliency program" means the power generation resiliency program established under Section 31.102.

Sec. 31.102. POWER GENERATION RESILIENCY PROGRAM. (a) The commission shall establish a power generation resiliency program to award loans to owners of power generation facilities for the purpose of improving the facilities to prevent facility failures.

(b) The commission by rule shall establish criteria for projects that qualify for a loan under the resiliency program and the procedures for applying for a loan under the program.

(c) A loan granted under the resiliency program must be repaid over a period as provided by a binding agreement between the owner of the facility to be improved and the commission.

(d) The comptroller shall oversee each loan the commission grants under the resiliency program.

Sec. 31.103. POWER GENERATION RESILIENCY REVOLVING ACCOUNT. (a) The power generation resiliency revolving account is an account in the general revenue fund.

(b) The account consists of:

(1) appropriations of money to the account by the legislature;

(2) gifts, donations, and grants, including federal grants;

(3) payments on loans made under Section 31.102; and

(4) interest earned on the investment of the money in the account.

(c) Money in the account may be appropriated only to the commission for the purpose of providing loans to power generators under the resiliency program.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.