Committee considers codifying interagency MOU to allow power disconnection at unsafe oil and gas sites

Senators reviewed a committee substitute to House Bill 143 that would codify a post‑fire memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to provide a statutory process for notifying electric utilities and, when necessary, disconnecting electrical service to oil and gas well sites with unsafe electrical conditions.

Sponsor testimony described the substitute as the product of line‑by‑line negotiations among agencies and stakeholders. The substitute clarifies inspection responsibilities for operators and landholders, sets timelines for agency notice and action, specifies who may disconnect electrical service and where the disconnection must occur, and outlines when the Railroad Commission may access property for inspections.

Supporters said codifying the MOU avoids the broad statewide fiscal burden that some earlier versions raised and provides a targeted, implementable process for addressing electrical hazards at well sites. The sponsor told members the language had been adjusted to allocate responsibilities and realistic fiscal impacts among agencies after an earlier fiscal estimate that had been unexpectedly large. Committee members thanked the sponsor for the interagency work.

Committee members asked questions about fiscal impacts and implementation timelines; the sponsor said agencies and stakeholders had agreed on the revised terms. No final vote was taken; the bill was left pending for procedural follow‑up and potential further amendments.