With Changes, Texas Smart Thermostat Bill Now Has Support From Retail Electric Providers

A committee substitute for Texas HB 489, relating to rules governing smart thermostats, has garnered the support of Texas retail electric providers

The filed HB 489 originally would have added a section to the Utilities Code governing smart thermostats providing that the Public Utility Commission of Texas, "shall ensure that a retail electric provider or aggregator that offers to residential or small commercial customers a product or service related to smart thermostats provides to the customers in marketing communications and contract materials clear descriptions in plain language of the product or service, of the contract terms, and of customers' rights."

The originally filed language of HB 489 had also stated that rules adopted by the PUCT under the bill, "must be at least as protective of customers' interests as general commission rules regarding marketing of and contracting for electric services for residential and small commercial customers."

The bill's author, Rep. Rafael Anchia, stated at a public hearing yesterday that a committee substitute will be offered, which has the support of retail electric providers. Though the committee substitute has yet to be officially filed, Anchia said that the "relevant" language from the committee substitute provides that, "the marketing communications and contract materials shall be in plain and easily understood language, and any written material shall printed be in an easily readable font size and style for the consumer."

The committee substitute is supported by the Alliance for Retail Markets and Association of Electric Companies of Texas.

As the committee substitute was not introduced during yesterday's hearing, HB 489 was left pending before the House Committee on State Affairs.