Relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to retain assistance for regional proceedings affecting certain electric utilities and consumers.

Texas customers face utility proceeding charges

The Texas utility commission can hire experts to represent it in regional transmission organization proceedings and related court reviews. This applies to certain electric utilities, including those covered by Subchapters I, J, or K. Cases can concern regional power ties, agreements coordinating operations with affiliated companies, or other utility matters affecting Texas retail rates. Hired consultants, accountants, auditors, engineers, or lawyers can study issues, investigate, present evidence, advise, or represent the commission. The utility involved must promptly pay reasonable service costs, capped at $1.5 million per 12-month period. The commission must let the utility recover those payments plus financing costs through an annual customer rate charge. That charge covers the previous calendar year's costs and requires commission review and approval before taking effect. The commission must consult the attorney general before hiring nonlawyer experts; hiring lawyers requires the attorney general's approval. It cannot hire anyone required to register under state lobbying law. The act sets immediate effect with a two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, its effective date is September 1, 2025.