Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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UTILITIES
77 th Texas Legislature
Merging Telecommunications and Electric Discount Databases of Low-Income
Consumers - H.B. 2156
by Representative Danburg
Senate Sponsor: Senator Van de Putte
Automatic enrollment databases are required for telecommunication and electric discounts for low-income
customers. Merging these databases would make their administration more efficient.
Requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to provide for an integrated eligibility process for customer
service discounts.
Requires PUC to adopt and enforce rules requiring local exchange companies to establish a universal
service fund to finance the process.
Requires the system benefit fund to provide funding solely for certain regulatory purposes.
Abolishes the tel-assistance service program.
Requires the telecommunications provider to provide the highest benefit from the universal service fund if a
person has received certain benefits before the tel-assistance program is discontinued that were higher.
State Energy Conservation Office - H.B. 2278
by Representative Carter
Senate Sponsor: Senator Fraser
The 76th Legislature placed the state energy conservation office (energy office) under the authority of the
comptroller of public accounts (comptroller), who then created an advisory committee to make the energy
office's programs more responsive and relevant. The committee found that although state agencies are
authorized to enter into energy efficiency performance contracts, not one agency has done so.
Consolidates the energy management center and the energy office, and transfers all functions and
activities performed by the General Services Commission that relate to energy conservation to the office of
the comptroller.
No Disconnection of Gas Service in Bad Weather - H.B. 2806
by Representative Kitchen, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Barrientos
The price of natural gas has increased in recent months, with gas utility customers in Texas receiving
winter heating bills as much as four times higher than for the same period in the previous year. Consumer
organizations petitioned the Railroad Commission of Texas to adopt an emergency rule to prevent
disconnection for nonpayment during cold weather.
Senate Research Center 314