utilities file a plain-language summary with every rate request

The text as introduced · 474 words

89R9398 JXC-D

By: Schwertner
S.B. No. 1664

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to public information regarding the rates of a

transmission and distribution utility.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is

amended by adding Section 39.113 to read as follows:

Sec. 39.113. RATE TRANSPARENCY. (a) A transmission and

distribution utility shall provide with each statement of intent to

change rates filed under Chapter 36, and any other filing made with

a regulatory authority under this subtitle regarding a change in

the utility's rates, a stand-alone document that shows:

(1) the change in rate that the filing would apply to

each rate class;

(2) the time period during which the proposed change

will be in effect;

(3) for a base rate increase, the anticipated total

amount of revenue the utility will receive from the increase during

the four-year period following the proposed implementation date of

the change;

(4) for a change other than a base rate change, the

anticipated total amount of revenue the utility will receive from

the change during the period in which the change is in effect;

(5) the delivery charges being imposed by the utility

at the time of the filing for an average residential customer;

(6) the anticipated delivery charges that would be

imposed by the utility for an average residential customer after

the change; and

(7) the difference between the amounts shown under

Subdivisions (5) and (6).

(b) The commission shall require the document required by

Subsection (a) to be filed in a format easily understood by the

public.

(c) If the regulatory authority proposes to enter an order

approving a change in rates described by Subsection (a) that

differs from the change initially proposed by the transmission and

distribution utility, the regulatory authority shall require the

utility to provide to the regulatory authority a new stand-alone

document that includes the information required by Subsection (a)

for the proposed change.

(d) The commission shall provide, and update at least

monthly, on the commission's Internet website or the commission's

Power to Choose Internet website information on the rates of

transmission and distribution utilities in a format easily

understood by the public.

SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to

a proceeding before the Public Utility Commission of Texas or other

regulatory authority described by Section 11.003, Utilities Code,

that commences on or after the effective date of this Act. A

proceeding before the Public Utility Commission of Texas or other

regulatory authority described by Section 11.003, Utilities Code,

that commenced before the effective date of this Act is governed by

the law in effect on the date the proceeding commenced, and that law

is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.