Both the Texas House and Senate have passed an Electric Utilities Regulation Bill (HB1190 and SB483) which attempts to limit the extent to which a single company can control the power generating capacity in Texas. These bills are expected to be taken up in committee in the few remaining days of this legislative session.
The bill provides an opportunity to remove a loophole in section M of the Puplic Utility Code that effectively reduces the Renewable Portfolio standard imposed on Texas utilities. Please contact your Senator, State Representative, and bill conferee's. Ask them to support the Strama Amendment to Senate Bill 483 that would remove the loop hole from Section M.
The following conferee's have been appointed:
Senate Conferees: Appointed (05/01/2007)
Fraser (Chair) | Averitt | Harris | Eltife | Janeko
House Conferees: Appointed (05/02/2007)
King, Phil (Chair) | Christian | Pena | Smith, Todd
| Swinford
Please refer to the sample memo below.
You can also get more information on the bill(s) and the list of House conferee's as it becomes available at ELECTRIC POWER REGULATION ONLINE
URGENT ACTION REQUESTED:
Send an email to your reps and the bill's committee members. Sample follows:
==================================================================================== PUC SECTION M a big Mistake! Now you have an opportunity to close this loophole in the code. “Section M” is an obscure provision in the Public Utility Code that allows voluntary purchases of green power to be counted against the “renewable portfolio standard” (RPS) imposed on Texas utilities. That law says that most utility companies in Texas must get a certain amount of the power they sell from renewable sources such as wind and solar. The section M loop hole means that if you sign up for a green power program, the utility company could reduce the amount of green power purchased under the renewable portfolio standard. Since some utilities charge a premium for green power choices, this could lead to fraudulent practices. The renewable energy standard originally passed in 1999, has given the Texas renewable energy market an important boost. Texans can be justifiably proud that our state is now the national leader in wind power. With renewable power, we can create new jobs, clear our air and build our energy independence. I urge you to support the Strama Amendment to Senate Bill 483 that would remove the loop hole from Section M. The Strama Amendment is a well-respected agreement that includes important protections for individual and commercial utility customers. It gives the customer the power to chose green energy sources that to add to the renewable energy standard. ====================================================================================
Best regards
Bob Fusinato
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