[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6107373,"mediaKeyId","2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b","parentId",2776425,"title","Committee hears bills to boost utility transparency — TDU disclosure and OPIC data access left pending","audioSeconds",389,"startMs",2466000,"endMs",2855000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b&start=2466&end=2855","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b/thumbnail_2466000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6107373/Texas/Committee-hears-bills-to-boost-utility-transparency-TDU-disclosure-and-OPIC-data-access-left-pending","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107373-4c93be4a8a36671067567850214f69b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1772479942&Signature=OqtA4PUoeZ0uo6rAIKUTAyCHHPlFdzq7nji2zM~0jrT4FP3Lljc7MqtEqKylUak-BH8hdtdLRUsQAKHUGoFA79hkH1TNuBCxRJMoSuCqTMV66bONrv8JBV8dyyVuFQeNVEmtd~s9R6NYtasLwJJ4gIB0lzocY9DhGmOHWzpOSAv6qzBxdLkKnqrQWPHh2kdDFMEEEpiQtZIa~xz38F-6pz962WB5bSrE34J-Eflhz-ZTw6s6fQ6csjnZB-c7rYGjsz0MGm-z0mwPuhxwtXKs34G9ZqkJtmorRTcqdwhTSK8JUpiCzONyW9647c5Sg6bWQtLkduA4tAKOV6MEMbqX5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Texas Legislature","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","Senators presented two related proposals intended to improve transparency around utility charges and to strengthen the consumer representative’s access to market data.

Senate Bill 16 64, sponsored by Senator Milton, would require a transmission and distribution utility (TDU) to provide a publicly accessible, standalone document with each statement of intent to change rates. The document would include an explanation of the change, the anticipated revenue impact, and current and projected delivery charges for an average residential consumer. Senator Milton said the change followed interim committee work showing that 30–40% of a residential bill can be attributable to transmission charges.

Senate Bill 18 77 (committee substitute), sponsored by Senator Fortner, would expressly authorize the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPC) to request and receive market data from the PUC, ERCOT and electric utilities, while preserving existing confidentiality protections. The author and supporters said a data team within OPC would enable more detailed analysis of market issues, generation adequacy, long‑term transmission planning and riders.

Witnesses from the Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Energy Association of Marketers, the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel provided resource testimony. Katie Coleman (TAM) supported SB 16 64 as a practical step to help customers and retail providers track multiple riders and charges. Catherine Webking of the Texas Energy Association of Marketers also backed the bill, noting that retail electric providers need clearer, centralized publication of TDU and rider changes to validate customer-facing disclosure tools.

Benjamin Barclay of the Office of Public Utility Counsel said SB 18 77 would create capacity within OPC for specialized data analysis while safeguarding confidential information: \"This bill ensures that any data team established by OPIC will have access to the information needed to carry out its responsibilities.\" He said the agency currently relies mostly on publicly available data and that expanded access would permit deeper review of utility filings and system trends. ERCOT said it did not oppose the measure as presented.

Both measures drew support from consumer and industry groups as procedural improvements, and committee members left the bills pending to allow stakeholder input and possible drafting refinements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee on Business and Commerce March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lawmakers considered two bills to improve transparency in utility rate changes and to give the Office of Public Utility Counsel statutory authority to request market data for consumer analysis.","taxTitle","Committee on Business & Commerce, Senate, Legislative, Texas","taxId",16850,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107364,"Committee advances cleanup to let SECO adopt newer energy codes; supporters cite efficiency and cost savings",229,5567000,5796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b&start=5567&end=5796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b/thumbnail_5567000.jpg","/articles/6107364/Texas/Committee-advances-cleanup-to-let-SECO-adopt-newer-energy-codes-supporters-cite-efficiency-and-cost-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107364-56b8a54b80ff44c4f09d521201e89c4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1772479942&Signature=aVllR7lFjavxe2nbERvWoQWrGxkcEw0IjakK6kFFZihBBplaBOpeiJ-DjrxsY7ymN-oRBRLfg10iKDIKc17LbF4rNdkQe-ttilxsJyftcLeIeedcOg3MT~ig9zszQMR663c4999W6xpAz1ME0xE94G-J~T6mzNeAPZz0HRkLFOKwptamSbf9294E~EWBtYOAUXURXLFdVaRx52wh~xcBoXYJtkghcN8Ugw6PKc3ZYAyeC8a28Iv16WB0OeJAr7jKZGC4aSQ3AHRM-ayN1XqBxAfDodIaFyMm24QsnkeKELRLxbv5mWrOa23mJlHVtHAiG933dllzGGK8z6RF0Qbw2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 7 83 (committee substitute) would clarify the authority of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to adopt updated energy codes for state‑funded and high‑performance buildings and to proceed with future code updates through rulemaking. Senator Mendez said SECO previously adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and seeks authority to move toward the 2021 code; he cited a 5–10% efficiency improvement in the 2021 commercial code compared with 2015.

Frances Blake of the Texas Association of Builders said the cleanup is important to allow SECO to continue rulemaking and noted broad stakeholder support, including from builders and industry. Cyrus Reid of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club testified in support, saying updated codes will save energy and water and that SECO’s process includes public notice, stakeholder input and cost‑benefit analysis.

Senator Mendez and witnesses discussed the mechanics and the limited scope: SECO may only adopt code changes after public notice and stakeholder process, and the proposal would govern future construction going forward rather than retroactively altering existing buildings.

The committee left the committee substitute pending after testimony, and supporters said they would provide technical data — including estimated megawatt or water savings — to inform rulemaking.","A committee substitute to SB 7 83 would let the State Energy Conservation Office proceed with rulemaking to adopt updated energy codes, including the 2021 IECC, for state‑funded and high‑performance buildings.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107369,"Bill to cap recoverable legal expenses in rate proceedings draws split testimony; utilities warn of unintended consequences",203,4059000,4262000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b&start=4059&end=4262","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b/thumbnail_4059000.jpg","/articles/6107369/Texas/Bill-to-cap-recoverable-legal-expenses-in-rate-proceedings-draws-split-testimony-utilities-warn-of-unintended-consequences","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107369-0fe8f4c77f8b2d82b411ee2e3fbef026/orig.mp4?Expires=1772479943&Signature=KYMTK4abcrdLX8kyrlua8pKlIrJ2udLujkykXxtY6WrKAP6wFcmt2t-v~tOIIESI4Q-QgLtxkuPNPGY0Jtys9vYJyU1LK8M8sjWMCuM-50PEIkDhN9pqq8zQYew9YMjAQlrX6Pgl0Hj2kxU7-uk5Sw6o9BknfqT4xPS3BX~ne0bNV5J4cEu5XPcUETQukU-7HiBuml2yCOmDwX-HkFqm1ugw51pGsoTk78N92iRDGXRqgRZzRuMx5Eep8h7K9RjPQHeCA34K4xHwjdcGJk3ckjqjMWW44Rf9QsZL2l5q~b7vBPeZyecE4cxkk7bs-nPEVz9kATxt-zFSBicB2oRUlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 19 77, sponsored by Senator Kolkhorst, would amend the Utilities and Water Codes to limit recovery of legal expenses in rate proceedings. The bill as filed would bar recovery of legal expenses that exceed the greater of $50,000 or 50% of a utility’s total legal expenses in a rate proceeding that commences on or after Sept. 1, 2025.

Benjamin Barclay of the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPC) described how rate case expenses are currently recovered and noted the problem the bill seeks to address: \"Because rates must be just and reasonable, utilities must invest in technical and legal experts ... these costs can significantly impact consumers' monthly electricity bills.\" Barclay said the PUC has tools to review those costs but suggested a statutory standard could create predictability and encourage settlement in some cases.

Katie Coleman of the Texas Association of Manufacturers noted that, while industry typically pays its own legal costs, the broader question is whether shareholders should bear some litigation costs when rate increases primarily benefit the utility’s investors. She described the bill as initiating a policy conversation about apportioning litigation costs between ratepayers and shareholders.

Utilities and water-sector representatives opposed the bill. Cody Faulk of Texas Association of Water Companies testified that rate cases are expensive, adversarial, and document‑heavy, and that capping recoverable legal fees could chill smaller utilities from securing experienced counsel or discourage filing needed rate cases — which could lead to larger adjustments later. He noted the PUC already reviews rate case expenses for reasonableness under existing rules (citing PUC review processes).

Jason Ryan of CenterPoint Energy said rate-case costs at his company have grown and suggested a spectrum of policy options: from procedural reforms and courtroom-style safeguards to requiring parties to bear their own costs. He said recent rate-case expense totals for his company reached high multi‑million amounts over multiple years and argued the committee should consider options that preserve meaningful participation while reining in unnecessary litigation expense.

Committee members questioned witnesses about typical dollar amounts for water and electric cases; witnesses said class‑A water utility rate-case legal costs typically range in the hundreds of thousands, while some electric proceedings have exceeded several million dollars. The committee left SB 19 77 pending.","Senate Bill 19 77 would limit the portion of a utility's legal expenses that may be recovered from ratepayers in a rate proceeding. Proponents said caps would protect customers; utilities and industry groups warned caps could chill legal participation, discourage investment, and run counter to the PUC's existing reasonableness review.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107378,"Committee hears Entergy-backed bill to allow annual capacity-cost rider for Entergy Texas; consumer groups urge safeguards",278,738000,1016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b&start=738&end=1016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b/thumbnail_738000.jpg","/articles/6107378/Texas/Committee-hears-Entergy-backed-bill-to-allow-annual-capacity-cost-rider-for-Entergy-Texas-consumer-groups-urge-safeguards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107378-9024911b64da0c11aeaee277b1c797b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1772479942&Signature=aHzLblvsOhZM73Aef-5GRQwBFpvVWILvQNWAUCjbAg8cSyTBfhlkRv7L98IPhfWXcHIyyPaX95GsZ5ELP2CkjLfCvTJfXE72Bbv-Ycg7ENh6i5SrL~1vLlV~oou6tddvYa9zg7ARFFVYK9ZuUSf842aUE4grXAEJHpVDU~NXnt4FZT1YarYqwsw7O2s-X3qyLU3Kpekmk1KEVyYh0YtmJw5V-pTjXDicBYJRuR2dbXE5NeBa36rCud7U87niF07-qqLf6jglBC~Xs4zaA-gk1kjqzwH9vz~QxSB~FqmgkEQaTlfgrDTEs6nFtvXq8SgptUzzF4Jpa~08dWN4oFEUNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Robert Crane introduced Senate Bill 18 56, a proposal limited to Entergy Texas that would authorize a capacity-related cost recovery rider, allowing Entergy to seek annual adjustments at the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) instead of waiting for four-year base rate cases.

The bill’s author said the change is intended for Entergy customers outside ERCOT where Entergy operates: \"Currently, Entergy's capacity related costs are determined through a base rate case every 4 years ... Senate Bill 18 56 introduces a capacity related cost recovery rider allowing Entergy to go into the PUC to adjust their rate annually instead of every 4 years,\" the senator explained.

Karis Parnum, assistant general counsel for Entergy, testified in support. She told the committee Entergy Texas serves \"over 524,000 customers\" and is planning about \"2,700 megawatts of new generation capacity\" to meet growth. Parnum said the rider would make customers pay \"only what Entergy pays, no more, no less,\" and described the mechanism as similar to an existing fuel‑recovery approach: \"This update is critical as increased energy demand has driven pricing volatility, underscoring the need to modernize the current regulatory framework.\"

Katie Coleman of the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) testified she and her members met with Entergy and the bill sponsor but urged caution. \"In general, from the consumer's perspective, we do not favor rate riders or trackers where a single cost is viewed in isolation,\" Coleman said, adding that riders can hide offsetting reductions and can produce variability in customer bills. She listed concerns about the bill's 10‑day PUC review window, the bill’s presumption that costs are reasonable, and the lack of a clear requirement that Entergy file the rider regularly so it cannot selectively file only when costs rise.

Anna Givens, a resource witness for the PUC, told the committee the agency typically does not process rate-review applications within a 10‑day window and said most efficient reviews take 30 to 60 days. She warned that the bill's timeline may not align with the PUC's meeting schedule and administrative capacity.

Witnesses and senators debated mechanics and consumer protections. TAM and other intervenors requested a more structured adjustment process, true‑up language, and explicit requirements to ensure refunds if the rider overrecovers. Entergy representatives said the proposal was limited to MISO capacity and power‑purchase costs outside Entergy’s control and that those amounts are known once published by the auction operator.

The committee took testimony and left Senate Bill 18 56 pending for further work and redlines. Members indicated follow-up negotiations and filing of a redline by stakeholders would be expected.","Senate Bill 1856 would let Entergy Texas seek annual adjustments to recover capacity-related costs through a rider to the PUC rather than setting those costs only in four-year base rate cases. Entergy said the change would match market volatility; consumer groups and the PUC warned about short review windows and the proliferation of riders.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107383,"Senate Business & Commerce committee reports multiple bills favorably; several measures left pending",3212,344000,3556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b&start=344&end=3556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776425-7b99541c21c15629ecce7f90ff6fba6b/thumbnail_344000.jpg","/articles/6107383/Texas/Senate-Business-Commerce-committee-reports-multiple-bills-favorably-several-measures-left-pending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107383-357fa1331309f72a14c091e8f7925018/orig.mp4?Expires=1772479942&Signature=WlGVc1SvnLd4IX-AwaFiMLy7YJZn8JsBYYj4KK6OC-0~n46bBD-CUF3nXWC3epvlyFoybbGFziWHarzhMDFtdF-9lg9p--l3fXsYaa7o7uKAfvvloUChNLv9RFzLtg9t2lY0iL0HPgnN25dPzzg3HyC0Hf1rXRAeZeK6I0htaor2O5v0xtbihMG0M~ElzBynZsoix7fo0ZSRwd6tCAUwv-Sy-8WR2cNzf4wMk9aJr~aMtr89upt66kFqAceoKCj4t6w7NshFhfKdxELnlLdxtT1vxCBIx8jE2NcSHYehKKMnL0UwuVG0YJNTmhYdVJzgFEQmTSnn~Z5bjAHiosjeVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Business & Commerce met in quorum and voted to report a series of bills to the full Senate, sending many to the local uncontested calendar.

The votes were procedural but consequential: members voted to report bills ranging from housekeeping changes and occupational licensing to utility and energy policy. Several larger policy measures heard for public testimony were left pending for further amendment and committee consideration.

Votes at a glance (motion = report favorably to the full Senate unless otherwise noted):
- Senate Bill 1697 — Motion reported favorably; tally: 8 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 1569 — Motion reported favorably; tally: 8 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 1202 (committee substitute) — Motion to adopt substitute and report favorably; tally: 8 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 1029 — Motion reported favorably; tally recorded as 8 ayes, 1 nay. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 1364 — Motion reported favorably; tally: 9 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 924 — Motion reported favorably; tally: 7 ayes, 3 nays. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 1008 (committee substitute) — Committee substitute adopted and reported favorably; tally: 10 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator Middleton on substitute; Senator King moved report)
- Senate Bill 264 — Motion reported favorably; tally: 10 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 1376 — Motion reported favorably; tally: recorded as 9 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator King)
- Senate Bill 1358 (committee substitute) — Committee substitute adopted and reported favorably; tally: 11 ayes, 0 nays. (mover: Senator King)

Several bills were then set aside for public testimony or left pending, including bills on utility rate riders, transparency, and consumer representation. Committee members and resource witnesses indicated follow-up work or redline exchanges would be filed for some measures.","The Senate Committee on Business & Commerce met in a session that produced favorable committee reports on multiple bills and left several larger policy proposals pending for further work. The committee voted to send a slate of bills to the full Senate and heard testimony on a package of utility and energy-related bills.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears bills to boost utility transparency — TDU disclosure and OPIC data access left pending

Committee advances cleanup to let SECO adopt newer energy codes; supporters cite efficiency and cost savings

Bill to cap recoverable legal expenses in rate proceedings draws split testimony; utilities warn of unintended consequences

Committee hears Entergy-backed bill to allow annual capacity-cost rider for Entergy Texas; consumer groups urge safeguards

Senate Business & Commerce committee reports multiple bills favorably; several measures left pending