Hall’s Wind And Solar Cap Lets New Plants Past 35%

The text as introduced · 452 words

89R10526 ANG-D

By: Hall, Sparks
S.B. No. 1692

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a limitation on wind and solar installed generation

capacity in the ERCOT power region.

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

SECTION 1. Section 39.1592(a), Utilities Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(a) This section applies only to an electric generation

facility in the ERCOT power region for which a standard generator

interconnection agreement is signed on or after September 1, 2025

[ January 1, 2027, that has been in operation for at least one year ],

and that is not a self-generator.

SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is

amended by adding Section 39.1596 to read as follows:

Sec. 39.1596. LIMITATION ON WIND AND SOLAR GENERATION

CAPACITY. (a) This section applies only to an electric generation

facility that:

(1) exclusively relies on an energy source derived

from wind or the sun; and

(2) is subject to a standard generator interconnection

agreement.

(b) Not later than January 1, 2029, the commission shall

determine whether the installed generation capacity from the

electric generation facilities described by Subsection (a) is

contributing more than 35 percent of the available generation

capacity for the ERCOT power region at any time.

(c) If the commission determines the installed generation

capacity described by Subsection (b) contributes more than 35

percent of the available generation capacity for the ERCOT power

region at any time, the commission shall by rule establish a program

to require disconnection from the power grid of electric generation

facilities as provided by this subsection. The program must:

(1) require the disconnection from the power grid of

only facilities for which a standard generator interconnection

agreement was signed before September 1, 2025; and

(2) establish a goal of reducing the installed

generation capacity from facilities for which a standard generator

interconnection agreement was signed before September 1, 2025, so

that the installed capacity from all electric generation facilities

exclusively relying on an energy source derived from wind or the sun

contributes 35 percent or less of the available generation capacity

for the ERCOT power region at any time.

(d) After completion of the program required under

Subsection (c), the commission may allow the installation of new

generation capacity from an electric generation facility described

by Subsection (a), regardless of the goal described by Subsection

(c)(2), if the facility complies with Section 39.1592.

SECTION 3. 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, 2025.