Texas Bill Would Create New Category Of Critical Care Customers, Which Would Receive Disconnection Protection From REPs

A bill, H.B. No. 685, has been filed in the Texas House that would establish disconnection and other protections for, "critical care veterinarian customers"

The bill would do so by amending Subchapter C, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, which addresses retail competition and is applicable to retail electric providers

Under the bill, the PUC would be required to establish, by rule, a protection program for veterinarians with electric-powered equipment or medical devices considered crucial for the health or safety of animals under the veterinarian's care that:

• provides certain disconnection protections to prevent harm to animals under the veterinarian's care, and

• notifies the customer of interruptions or suspensions in service

The PUC would be required to create a status designation application process for the program and require transmission and distribution utilities to accept status designation applications from veterinarians.

H.B. No. 685 is authored by Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R