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SB 2110

Relating to electric grid resiliency measures, including a study by the Public Utility Commission of Texas of the cost of burying overhead power lines.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt and 5 co-sponsors

Texas PUC must study costs of burying overhead power lines to improve electric grid resilience against weather damage and outages.

Referred to Business & Commerce
#coastalaffairs&beaches(i0067) #interimstudies(i0448) #publicutilitycommission(v0023) #utilities--electric(i0831)
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Bill Summary · SB 2110

Legislative bill overview

SB 2110 directs the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to conduct a comprehensive study examining the costs associated with burying overhead power lines as a strategy to improve electric grid resiliency. The bill appears focused on exploring infrastructure hardening measures to protect the electrical system from weather-related outages and physical damage.

Why is this important

Texas experienced significant power grid failures during Winter Storm Uri (2021) and faces increasing threats from severe weather, wildfires, and hurricane damage to overhead infrastructure. Underground power lines are more resistant to weather damage and vegetation-related outages, but burying existing lines is substantially more expensive than maintaining overhead systems. The study results could inform future regulatory decisions about grid investment priorities and rate structures that ultimately affect consumer electricity costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden and rate impact: Burying power lines is significantly more expensive than overhead infrastructure; the study may reveal costs that would substantially increase consumer electricity rates if implemented at scale
  • Selective implementation fairness: Decisions about which areas to underground first could create equity concerns, as rural or economically disadvantaged areas might be deprioritized due to cost-benefit analysis
  • Timeline and practical constraints: Large-scale undergrounding takes years to complete; stakeholders may debate whether this is an efficient use of resources compared to other grid resilience investments like vegetation management, battery storage, or distributed generation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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