This section requires certain ERCOT-region electric providers to prepare generation assets for weather emergencies and follow commission rules.
Sec. 35.0021. WEATHER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. (a) This section applies only to a municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, power generation company, or exempt wholesale generator that sells electric energy at wholesale in the ERCOT power region. (b) The commission by rule shall require each provider of electric generation service described by Subsection (a) to implement measures to prepare the provider's generation assets to provide adequate electric generation service during a weather emergency according to reliability standards adopted by the commission. In adopting the rules, the commission shall take into consideration weather predictions produced by the office of the state climatologist. (c) The independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region shall: (1) inspect generation assets in the ERCOT power region for compliance with the reliability standards; (2) provide the owner of a generation asset with a reasonable period of time in which to remedy any violation the independent organization discovers in an inspection; and (3) report to the commission any violation. (c-1) The independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region shall prioritize inspections conducted under Subsection (c)(1) based on risk level, as determined by the organization. (d) The commission by rule shall require a provider of electric generation service described by Subsection (a) for a generation asset that experiences repeated or major weather-related forced interruptions of service to: (1) contract with a person who is not an employee of the provider to assess the provider's weatherization plans, procedures, and operations for that asset; and (2) submit the assessment to the commission and the independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region. (e) The commission may require a provider of electric generation service described by Subsection (a) to implement appropriate recommendations included in an assessment submitted to the commission under Subsection (d). (f) The independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region shall review, coordinate, and approve or deny requests by providers of electric generation service described by Subsection (a) for a planned power outage during any season and for any period of time. (g) The commission shall impose an administrative penalty on an entity, including a municipally owned utility or an electric cooperative, that violates a rule adopted under this section and does not remedy that violation within a reasonable period of time. Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 426 (S.B. 3), Sec. 13, eff. June 8, 2021.