HB 5482

relating to renewable energy generation and energy storage
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 35, Utilities Code, is amended by adding
subchapter F to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION AND STORAGE FACILITY
Sec. 35.201.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Renewable energy generation facility" means:
(A)  a wind power facility as defined by Section
(B)  a solar power facility as defined by Section
(2)  "Energy storage facility" means a battery energy
Sec. 35.202.  APPLICATION.  (a) On or before September 1,
2026, the commission shall establish a rule to create a process for
renewable energy generation facility or energy storage facility
applications and for the provision of public notice of the
application to state agencies, local landowners, and county and
(b)  A renewable energy generation facility or energy
storage facility may not interconnect to the ERCOT electric grid
(1)  the renewable energy generation facility or energy
storage facility obtains approval by the commission under this
(2)  the commission by order approves the
interconnection of the renewable energy generation facility or
(c)  The commission shall approve, deny, or approve with
conditions each application for interconnection of a renewable
energy generation facility or energy storage facility through a
contested case proceeding on a nondiscriminatory basis after
(1)  existing renewable energy generation facilities
(2)  existing agricultural and recreational land uses;
(3)  environmental and species impact;
(4)  historical and aesthetic values;
(5)  appropriate setbacks from existing development;
(6)  any other factor the commission deems appropriate.
(d)  An application submitted under this section must
(1)  any recommendations provided by the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Parks and
(2)  a plan of action for responding to state agency
recommendations prior to and during construction; and
(3)  for battery energy storage facilities, a fire
mitigation plan that provides for:
(B)  fire mitigation procedures; and
(C)  ingress and egress plans during a fire event.
Sec. 35.203.  DEADLINE FOR DECISION.  The commission must
approve, deny, or approve with conditions an application not later
than the 180th day after the date the application is filed or it is
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.