Fortifying Texas’ Energy Future: SB 1202 Empowers Homeowners and Energy Security

Independence and ingenuity are the lifeblood of Texas, fueling the innovation, resilience and reliability that define our businesses and communities. Without either, we risk stalling the engine that drives the Lone Star State forward. When it comes to maintaining a prosperous Texas energy environment for Texas businesses and residents, policy matters, and the laws our state passes should continue to focus on cutting through bureaucratic red tape and dismantling regulatory roadblocks that stifle growth.

Texas isn’t slowing down. With energy demand projected to outpace supply by 2026, the 89th Texas Legislature must take decisive action to empower homeowners with the ability to install home energy generation and backup power systems.

The Texas Legislature has a monumental opportunity to cut through bureaucratic red tape and accelerate the permitting process for home energy generation and backup power installations by passing Senate Bill 1202 by Senator Phil King (R-Weatherford) this session. This bill – on which the Texas Association of Business (TAB) submitted testimony in support this week – targets costly, unnecessary barriers that delay installations and inflate costs – barriers that disproportionately burden families in need of reliable backup power. By fortifying Texas homes against future disasters like the 2021 Winter Storm Uri – which left 2.7 million households in the dark and disrupted water access for 12 million – this legislation will empower homeowners with the security they deserve, reaffirming Texas' unwavering independent spirit.

Energy demand in Texas is expected to nearly double by 2030, and in May 2024 alone, the state shattered our daily power consumption record for the month six times. To ensure a resilient and reliable energy future amid a rapidly growing population, we must equip our residents with sustainable, stable alternatives that protect both their livelihoods and the state’s infrastructure.

Texans deserve the freedom to invest in reliable energy solutions – whether that comes in the form of solar panels, battery storage or backup generators – to safeguard their homes and loved ones against the unpredictable threats of natural disasters.

SB 1202 is a game-changer for Texans, empowering homeowners to strengthen their own energy security while enhancing grid resilience for everyone. By integrating reliable backup power into the grid, Texas is preparing for a stable energy future. The bill also streamlines muddled processes, allowing independent licensed engineers to inspect and design home energy generation and backup power systems, making it easier for Texans to take control of their energy needs.

Specifically, this critical legislation will:

• Curb unnecessary permitting delays, empowering homeowners to work with an independent licensed engineer instead of waiting on local approval;

• Fast-track installations, allowing projects to begin immediately once an engineer certifies compliance with state building codes and notifies local authorities; and

• Strengthen Texas' proven approach to home energy projects, expanding existing laws that already allow independent engineers to oversee other building inspections.

By putting Texans’ energy future into their own hands, the Lone Star State can honor our legacy of independence and self-sufficiency – providing stable power to our residents while also fortifying our grid for an unpredictable future. SB 1202 helps tackle the current vulnerabilities we face, fostering a microgrid of home energy solutions that can keep Texan families prepared, powered and out of the dark.

TAB strongly supports the passage of SB 1202 and will continue to support legislation that fuels Texas’ spirit of innovation, self-reliance and ingenuity. This bill shows that Texas is committed to empowering homeowners, strengthening our grid and ensuring no Texan is left behind when disaster strikes. By cutting through unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, SB 1202 lowers costs, reduces frustrating permitting delays and gives Texans the freedom to take charge of their own energy security.

A more resilient Texas starts with smart, forward-thinking solutions, and SB 1202 is a critical step toward that future.

-              Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Texas Association of Business

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