MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
9:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E1.028
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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce was held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair |
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Senator Lois Kolkhorst |
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Senator Phil King, Vice Chair |
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Senator Mayes Middleton |
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Senator Brian Birdwell |
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Senator Donna Campbell |
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Senator Brandon Creighton |
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Senator Nathan Johnson |
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Senator José Menéndez |
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Senator Robert Nichols |
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Senator Judith Zaffirini |
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The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Campbell, Senator Creighton, and Senator Menéndez.
The Chair laid out the following interim charges and opened invited testimony (see attached witness list) for discussion:
Electricity Market Design: Assess state efforts to provide incentives for new thermal generation. Review and report on the state of the electricity market in Texas and issues impacting the reliability and resiliency of the Texas electric grid. Consider rulemaking related to wholesale market design, including the impact of these changes on grid reliability, market revenues, costs to consumers, and the efficiency of operations. Examine and report on the direct and indirect impacts that variable resources, such as wind and solar, have on grid resiliency, consumer prices, and market uncertainty. Monitor the implementation of House Bill 1500, 88th Legislature.
Senator King assumed the chair.
Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.
Transmitting Texas Power: Identify the future electric transmission and distribution system needs of the state and recommend ways to reduce barriers to constructing the necessary electric infrastructure to support the growing demand and changes in technology. Review and make any necessary recommendations to enhance legislation passed during the 88th legislative session, including the status of projects to improve the safety and resiliency of the transmission system, as well as the effect of current and future projects on consumer costs.
Senator King assumed the chair.
Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.
Impact of Bitcoin Mining on the Texas Electric Grid: Study the impact of energy-intensive cryptocurrency mining facilities on the Texas electric grid. Report on whether any changes should be made to ERCOT demand response programs and large flexible load registration requirements to limit the impact of these facilities on system reliability and consumer costs.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
There being no further business, at 4:24 PM Senator Schwertner moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.
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Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair
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Annika Vandayar, Clerk