Plain English summary not yet available
The full original text is available below. Check back soon as we process this bill.
  89R3773 SCR-D     By: Cook, et al. S.B. No. 270       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study of the costs and benefits of burying   distribution power lines in certain metropolitan areas.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS. In this Act:                (1)  "Commission" means the Public Utility Commission   of Texas.                (2)  "Study areas" means the following regions:                      (A)  the Austin metropolitan area;                      (B)  the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex;                      (C)  the Houston metropolitan area; and                      (D)  the San Antonio metropolitan area.          SECTION 2.  FINDINGS. The legislature finds that:                (1)  during times of extreme weather, overhead   distribution power lines often take on significant damage;                (2)  underground distribution power lines are more   resistant than overhead distribution power lines to extreme weather   conditions; and                (3)  the cost of burying distribution power lines is   significant.          SECTION 3.  STUDY. The commission shall evaluate in the   study areas each of the following for electric cooperatives,   investor-owned utilities, and municipally owned utilities:                (1)  potential costs of burying existing overhead   distribution power lines, including costs that could be passed on   to ratepayers;                (2)  potential costs of maintaining and repairing   underground distribution power lines;                (3)  potential cost savings associated with reduced   power outages after burying distribution power lines; and                (4)  anticipated effects of burying distribution power   lines on the environment, such as land use and water quality, on   public safety, and on emergency response.          SECTION 4.  REPORT. The commission shall submit a report of   the results of the study and any recommendations to the governor,   lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives   not later than December 31, 2026.          SECTION 5.  EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires January 31,   2027.          SECTION 6.  EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September   1, 2025.