AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
Senate unveils bills to reform the power grid after failures in 2021
FOCUS ON THE GRID
NUMBER TO KNOW Texas lawmakers had filed by March 10, the 60th day of the 2023 legislative session. All legislation, except for local bills, emergency appropriations and emergency matters from the governor, must be filed by the 60th day. 8,153 That is how many bills and joint resolutions FORMER STATE SEN. JANE NELSON AFTER SHE WAS CONFIRMED AS TEXAS’ 115TH SECRETARY OF STATE “I WILL WORK TO SAFEGUARD HONEST AND ACCURATE ELECTIONS IN ALL 254 COUNTIES ACROSS OUR GREAT STATE WHILE CONTINUING TO SUPPORT BUSINESS OWNERS BY ENSURING THAT GOVERNMENT MOVES AT THE SPEED OF TEXAS BUSINESS, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a group of Texas senators created a nine-bill plan to improve the state power grid. Some details on the top bills in the package include:
BY HANNAH NORTON
used in times of crisis, he said. SB 6 would also establish a low- cost loan program to “maintain, restore and keep in operation current dispatchable generation here in Texas,” Schwertner said. Dispatchable power comes from sources such as natural gas and coal, and both Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott said supporting those sources is a top priority. Schwertner also highlighted SB 7, which would “level the playing field” between dispatchable and renewable power by providing incentives for companies to create new dispatch- able energy. SBs 6 and 7 were filed by Schwert- ner and Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, the chair and vice chair of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee. Schwertner said senators were working closely with the Texas House to pass the reform package.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a biparti- san group of Texas senators shared the details of a nine-bill plan to improve the reliability of Texas’ power grid. The March 9 announcement came about two years after Winter Storm Uri devastated Texas and revealed issues with the state’s power grid in 2021, which lawmakers and energy regulators are still working to fix. The first bill in the package, Senate Bill 6, would create the Texas Energy Insurance Program. Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, said the program would add 10,000 megawatts of energy—enough to power 7.5 million homes—to the state power supply. Schwertner said the program would provide backup power for the state, similar to the generators people buy for their homes. Texas needs its own backup generator that can be
Senate Bill 6
• Add 10,000 megawatts of energy to the state power supply • Create backup power for the state in times of crisis or severe weather • Provide low-cost loans to help communities generate power from natural gas and coal The Texas Energy Insurance Program
Senate Bill 2012
• Prevent power companies from charging high prices for energy • Create legislative committee to oversee grid reliability Protecting Texans from price gouging
Senate Bill 2013
SOURCE: TEXAS SENATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT • Increase security of Texas power grid • Protect grid from cyber and physical attacks Strengthening grid infrastructure
Meet Bess who resides at Parkview in Frisco
NORTH TEXAS
“I have only been here two months, but in that short time, I know for a fact I
$5 OFF Mad Simpl Vitamin Injection Therapy www.B12StoresNorthTexas.com Arlington Frisco Grapevine
made the right decision to choose Parkview [in Frisco] over many other retirement communities I had visited. Simply put, I love this place! Parkview [in Frisco] is this wonderful combination of the amenities of a cruise ship and the fun of summer camp!” — Bess Amaral
Grapevine Mills Located at Entry 3 Near Burlington Next to Fieldhouse USA
Stonebriar Mall, Frisco Below Cheesecake Factory Opposite Barnes & Noble Next to Covered Parking
OUR FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS IS LOCAL TO FRISCO WITH OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
Let’s chat over a cup of coffee! Call 972-324-3835 to learn more and reserve a time for your visit.
Does your roof need a check-up? Have your roof inspected by a licensed insurance adjuster!
7450 Stonebrook Parkway • Frisco, TX 75034 parkview.watermarkcommunities.com INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE 23-FPV-6179A ID #106610
MDROOFINGPROS.COM • CALL US FOR A FREE ROOF ASSESSMENT AT 972-834-3009
17
FRISCO EDITION • APRIL 2023
Powered by FlippingBook