04-02-2025
Sparks files third 89th priority legislative package on grid reliability
Feb. 4—AUSTIN — Senator Kevin Sparks (R-Midland) has announced his third legislative priority package, aimed at securing Texas' electric grid. As the Texas energy sector undergoes a major transformation, facing rising demand and a rapidly changing landscape, ensuring the grid's stability is more critical than ever. Senator Sparks' legislative package on grid reliability addresses population expansion, transmission planning, reliable generation, and correcting federal interference.
Senator Sparks' 89th Legislative Priorities on 'Grid Reliability' consists of the following pieces of legislation:
— SB 715: Consistent Reliability Requirements: Removes the bifurcated timeline structure regarding the reliability requirement, so the new standard will be followed by all grid participants.
— SB 391: Permian Basin Transmission Planning: Updates the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' Permian Basin Reliability Plan for the region every five years.
— SB 714: Market Distortion Solution: Eliminates or compensates for market distortion in electricity pricing caused by the benefits renewable energy receives from the federal subsidies.
— SB 970: Texas Energy Fund Prioritization: Prioritizes cost-effective, reliable baseload generation for the Texas Energy Fund.
"My legislative package focuses on securing the electric grid and ensuring the state keeps up with the growing generation demand and provides affordable, reliable, and responsible energy for every Texan," stated Senator Sparks. "I look forward to working on compensating for the influx of federal energy subsidies that have distorted the market and reforming the Texas Energy Fund to protect Texans from the soaring electricity costs caused by short-term fixes. Investing in dispatchable natural gas is a step toward improving energy efficiency, and we must leverage technology that serves the best interests of ratepayers."
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Kevin Sparks for his unwavering leadership and dedication to advancing Texas' energy infrastructure. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future." said Doug Robison, Founder and CEO — Natura Resources.
