Smart Security for the Texas Grid
Texas can lead the nation on grid security without sacrificing the competitive energy market that keeps costs low for consumers by focusing on engineering standards and access controls that address real threats.
KEY TOPICS
Explore one-pagers and educational materials covering timely industry issues.
Texas can lead the nation on grid security without sacrificing the competitive energy market that keeps costs low for consumers by focusing on engineering standards and access controls that address real threats.
Interim Charge 4: Battery Storage and Safety Advanced Power Alliance Texas Vice President Judd Messer on April 23 provided testimony before the Texas House Committee on State Affairs. Chaired by Texas State Representative Ken King, the committee has broad authority, including jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to “the regulation and deregulation of electric utilities and the electric industry” in Texas. The committee convened to consider Interim Charge 4: to examine the
With the rapid growth of emerging energy technologies, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Texas lawmakers have advanced proactive policies to ensure their safe and responsible deployment.
During recent events, such as Winter Storm Fern, the Texas grid remained strong through freezing temperatures, thanks in part to improved winter readiness, contributions from renewable energy generation and added energy storage capacity.
The growth of renewable energy has been wrongly blamed for rising power prices in Texas. As demand for power skyrockets, grounding this debate and Texas’ policy decisions in data–not rhetoric–is essential.
In reviewing current firming policy contained in House Bill 1500 (88R), as well as other proposals before the Texas Legislature—primarily Senate Bill 715 (89-R)—we provide the following analysis detailing how such proposals will threaten reliability, raise consumer costs, and disrupt a well-functioning market that is already adapting to meet system needs.
LEGISLATION
89th Legislative Session
Find Advanced Power Alliance one-pagers and resources specific to legislation proposed during the Texas 89th Legislative Session.
APA opposes SB 715 (Sparks), which threatens grid reliability, raises consumer costs, and disrupts a well-functioning market that is already adapting to meet system needs.
Senate Bill 819 (Kolkhorst) will stifle economic development, increase electricity costs and disregard private property rights.
SB 388 claims to promote reliability, but by slowing grid growth at a critical time, it risks achieving the opposite. Texas needs flexibility—not artificial limits on energy growth—to meet the demands of consumers and our economy.
HB 3722 favors the few, harms the many, and solves no real problem.
Code Concepts Group, LLC was engaged by the Advanced Power Alliance and Texas Solar + Storage Association to review and provide expert input on battery energy storage safety legislation in Texas. Based on our review, we believe House Bill 1378 (Virdell) represents a significant step backwards in the safe installation and operation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Texas.
APA & TSSA oppose SB 715, HB 3356, SB 819, and SB 388, which undermine Texas’ business climate, degrade private property rights, raise consumer costs, weaken grid reliability, target clean energy, and threaten Texas’ competitive energy market.
TSSA & APA support efforts to further ensure that Texas is secure while remaining competitive and business friendly. While our organizations have concerns about the bill in its current form, we understand progress is being made to resolve concerns expressed by parties in the energy sector, including our members. We deeply appreciate Representative Lambert’s efforts.
RESEARCH AND STUDIES
Find pertinent research reports and studies that illuminate industry topics.
A new statewide survey commissioned by Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation (CTEI) and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (March 22-30, 2025) reveals overwhelming support among Texas voters for clean energy solutions to meet the state’s growing energy demands. The biennial poll of 1,000 registered voters shows a clear preference for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, emphasizing renewables, grid modernization, and market-driven policies to ensure reliability, affordability, and economic growth. Key Highlights:
A new report, ‘The Economic Impact of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Investments Across Texas’, by Dr. Joshua Rhodes, Chief Technology Officer of IdeaSmiths LLC and a Research Scientist at The University of Texas at Austin, includes 2024 data and reveals investments in renewable energy projects will continue to benefit our economy and all Texans.