Darby Legislation Proposes to Change Public Utility Commission

AUSTIN, TX — State Representative Drew Darby (R - District 72) says Texas needs more Texas Pubic Utilities commissioners and he wants those commissioners to represent all areas of the state.

In legislation Darby filed Friday, Darby takes aim at the TPUC. In House Resolution 3205, Darby proposes to increase the number of commissioners from three to five. Five commissioners allows PUC representation from each power region in the state. His bill allows the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives and the Lieutenant Governor to participate in selecting two commissioners.

The PUC regulates the state's electric utilities, including setting standards for the delivery of reliable, reasonable-priced electricity to customers.

"February's devastating power outages highlighted a number of measures the Texas Legislature can pass to promote better preparation and collaboration across our system," said Darby. "By increasing the number of PUC commissioners, and spreading representation across geographic areas, including rural Texas, and load zones, we can bring more minds to the table to tackle major energy issues."

Currently, the three TPUC commissioners are appointed by the governor. The Electric Reliability Commission of Texas, or ERCOT, a non-profit and non-government entity, along with the electric utilities companies answer to the TPUC. However, everyone answers to the Texas Legislature, which can write laws to regulate any part of the system.

HR 3025 can become law by September 2021 if the Texas Legislature passes it and Governor Greg Abbott signs it.