TITLE: Relating to a limitation on wind and solar installed generation capacity in the ERCOT power region.

SUMMARY: Relating to a limitation on wind and solar installed generation capacity in the ERCOT power region.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a limitation on wind and solar installed generation capacity in the ERCOT power region. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 39.1592(a), Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) This section applies only to an electric generation facility in the ERCOT power region for which a standard generator interconnection agreement is signed on or after September 1, 2025 [January 1, 2027, that has been in operation for at least one year],and that is not a self-generator. SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 39.1596 to read as follows: Sec. 39.1596. LIMITATION ON WIND AND SOLAR GENERATION CAPACITY. (a) This section applies only to an electric generation facility that: (1) exclusively relies on an energy source derived from wind or the sun; and (2) is subject to a standard generator interconnection agreement. (b) Not later than January 1, 2029, the commission shall determine whether the installed generation capacity from the electric generation facilities described by Subsection (a) is contributing more than 35 percent of the available generation capacity for the ERCOT power region at any time. (c) If the commission determines the installed generation capacity described by Subsection (b) contributes more than 35 percent of the available generation capacity for the ERCOT power region at any time, the commission shall by rule establish a program to require disconnection from the power grid of electric generation facilities as provided by this subsection. The program must: (1) require the disconnection from the power grid of only facilities for which a standard generator interconnection agreement was signed before September 1, 2025; and (2) establish a goal of reducing the installed generation capacity from facilities for which a standard generator interconnection agreement was signed before September 1, 2025, so that the installed capacity from all electric generation facilities exclusively relying on an energy source derived from wind or the sun contributes 35 percent or less of the available generation capacity for the ERCOT power region at any time. (d) After completion of the program required under Subsection (c), the commission may allow the installation of new generation capacity from an electric generation facility described by Subsection (a), regardless of the goal described by Subsection (c)(2), if the facility complies with Section 39.1592. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.