Bill Caption

Relating to the goal for renewable energy and competitive renewable energy zones. 

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

SB 931 aims to eliminate or phase out those components of the code which are associated with the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) and the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) adopted in 1999. These goals were put into place to encourage renewable energy generation in Texas and have since been met or exceeded.

SB 931, if passed, would make multiple changes to the Utilities Code, the most notable of which would terminate the goals and targets associated with CREZs and RPS on December 31^st 2015. The bill would also prohibit the Public Utility Commission from designating a new CREZ after this date, and removes CREZ information requirements from transmission reports. SB 931 would also authorize the Public Utility Commission to establish an alternative compliance payment mechanism to meet certain transmission goals (listed in subsection a).

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 931 would remove those components of code associated with CREZs and RPSs. Given that these programs constituted government preference for one set of industries over another (renewable energy over traditional energy) and given that all of the goals established under these programs have been met, there is no reason that they should be retained. SB 931 is an effective way to remove these programs, limit the government, and remove market distortions. We support SB 931.