Video & Transcript Research : 'backup power'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 7th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The result is denying a powerful therapeutic option for those here—moms, kids, veterans—which will be
  • That's 75,000 Texans from all walks of life who found real therapeutic relief through the power of the
  • the federal government control of interstate commerce, and it does give the states certain limited powers
  • Now, at what point do those things give way to the state's police power, the state's ability to call
  • Police power to say, "Hey, that stuff, that other stuff, that's really, really bad, should be off the
Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 7th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • You’re going to hear some powerful testimony later in this hearing.
  • I experienced the power of one of my products myself.
  • It's about protecting profits for powerful corporations.
  • Tyranny is the oppressive and unjust exercise of power.
  • Because it threatened powerful industries. Today, we know better.
Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Aug 27th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB3, SB16
Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Senator Hagenbuch, who asked for wisdom, humility, courage, and guidance in serving Texas and conducting the chamber’s work with integrity and respect. After the prayer, the House messenger reported that the House had passed several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, including HCR 2 honoring the victims of the July 2025 Hill Country floods, HCR 3 marking the dedication of the Children’s Emergency Relief International George M. Cowden Building in Austin, HCR 4 congratulating Ricky and Anne Lowe on their 47th wedding anniversary, and HCR 5 recognizing Don Sparks of Midland for receiving the 2025 Chief Roughneck Award. Following the House message, the Senate announced a brief recess while awaiting completion of the House calendar. Senator Zaffirini then moved that the Senate stand in recess until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, and the motion was adopted without objection.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Mar 11th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • To protect against local outages, more Texans are looking to install battery systems for backup power
  • I have had a constituent express frustration specifically trying to get a backup power system put in.
  • Unincorporated areas do not require a permit for backup power installations of residential batteries
  • SB 1252 keeps the lights on and gets critical backup power in the hands of Texans faster.
  • SB 1252 standardizes this process statewide, allowing homeowners to install backup power faster and at
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, first reporting SB 1006 favorably after adopting a committee substitute that adds quarterly ZIP-code-level reporting to TDI on insurer declinations, cancellations, and nonrenewals. The committee also adopted substitutes and favorably reported SB 388, which adds nuclear to a credit program and excludes batteries from the dispatchable definition; SB 917; SB 504, which narrows reporting requirements for certain local entities, raises a salary threshold, and authorizes AG injunctive relief; SB 925, which clarifies that federal match dollars are included in a PLA-related prohibition; and SB 815, which removes downcoding references and focuses on AI use in prior authorization. SB 815 advanced on an 8-2 vote, while SB 388 advanced 6-3 and the others were reported 9-0 or 6-0 as noted. The committee then heard testimony on SB 378, which would prohibit aestheticians and cosmetologists from administering injections or using prescriptive medical devices unless legally authorized and would clarify TDLR disciplinary authority. The author and a retired neurosurgeon testified that unsafe, unauthorized injections pose real patient risks, and a TDLR witness said the bill addresses a long-standing regulatory gap. SB 378 was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard SB 1252, aimed at reducing municipal permitting barriers for residential backup power systems; the author and industry witnesses said city permitting is costly and inconsistent, while municipal utility representatives and advocates said the substitute preserved safety and utility oversight. That bill was also left pending. Additional bills heard but left pending included SB 1172, which would let LPs and LLCs sell their own property without a real estate license; SB 681, which would extend engineer license renewal periods and apply similar flexibility to engineering firms; SB 918, a TDLR cleanup bill for orthotics and prosthetics exemptions; SB 1343, which would require data brokers to post a clear link explaining Texans’ privacy rights and how to exercise them; SB 213, which would prohibit forced bundling of residential property and auto insurance while preserving voluntary discounts; SB 610, which would codify TDLR’s anti-trafficking unit; and SCR 8, expressing opposition to a central bank digital currency over privacy, security, and financial-stability concerns. Public testimony on SB 1343 and SB 213 was generally supportive, with consumer and advocacy groups emphasizing privacy, competition, and survivor safety, and the committee closed the day with those measures and others left pending.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • To protect against local allergies, more Texans are looking to install battery systems. for backup power
  • Unincorporated areas do not require require a permit for backup power installations of residential batteries
  • SB 1252 keeps the lights on and gets critical backup power in the hands of Texans faster.
  • SB 1252 standardizes this. process statewide, allowing homeowners to install backup power faster and
  • This is a win-win for Texas. encouraging homes to install backup power, reducing strain on the grid during
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • But it's beyond the federal court's powers.
  • They are exerting policy-making power over the whole country.
  • Only if they exercise their judicial power.
  • These are questions, these are core Article 2 powers.
  • Nationwide injunctions are... or an abuse of power.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee focused on the implications of universal injunctions, which have become a significant concern in recent years. The discussion centered around various legislative proposals aimed at addressing the perceived overreach of district judges who issue nationwide injunctions that affect policies across the entire country. Several members expressed the belief that such injunctions undermine judicial authority and disrupt the balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches. Expert witnesses testified about the historical context of universal injunctions and the necessity for reforms that would limit the power of courts to grant remedies benefitting non-parties.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • , as well as— economic power for the party-state.
  • Chinese Communist Party scholars have written about how powerful the states are in our federal system
  • So we're dealing with a system that will make threats, political power threats around. issues of life
  • It does not increase the power of any government.
  • I just want to say, you are the holder of power. public power, you will do the best choices for every
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Power. Power.
  • When will Kentucky Power no longer have access to the power generated at the Mitchell Power Plant?
  • Power to Wheeling Power owed by Kentucky Power to Wheeling Power in<00:07:42.880> the<00:07:42.960
  • Uh, Kentucky Power and Wheeling Power, of which Kentucky Power has no ownership of Wheeling Power, each
  • power customers. power customers.
Summary: The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky. Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky. Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • in state law by allowing a fuel tax credit or refund for diesel that is used to operate auxiliary power
  • units. known as APUs, or Powered Takeoff Units, or PTOs, just as the law already allows.
Bills: SB771, SB2345, HB135, HB135
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • load power.
  • load power.
  • clean base load power, we aren't future, clean base load power, we aren't going<01:26:51.440> to
  • I'm concerned about industrial base load power.
  • I'm concerned about industrial base load power.
Bills: HF3556
Summary: The committee approved the February 26, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3556, which would rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The bill’s author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, noting its importance to Minnesota’s solar industry and the broader clean energy transition. The author moved HF 3556 to the general register, and the committee proceeded to testimony. Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar advocates all supported the bill. They credited Hortman with authoring and advancing the 2013 legislation that created Minnesota’s community solar program and said it became a national model that expanded access to solar for renters, lower-income households, and others who could not install rooftop systems. Several witnesses highlighted the program’s growth, including more than 1 gigawatt of approved projects, strong participation by low- and moderate-income subscribers, and job creation and private investment in Minnesota. Witnesses also emphasized Hortman’s personal leadership style, describing her as prepared, persuasive, collaborative, and deeply committed to clean energy and public service. Some recounted personal interactions with her and said the name change would preserve her legacy and ensure future Minnesotans remember her impact. No vote on the bill itself was taken during the testimony shown, beyond the motion to send HF 3556 to the general register.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • the House united and working on on a set of rules that while it has hurt Democrats and reduced our power
  • the House united and working on on a set of rules that while it has hurt Democrats and reduced our power
  • is the House united and working on a set of rules that, while it has hurt Democrats and reduced our power
  • Democrats that stood strong and have a lot to bring home today because of now the positions and the powers
Summary: The meeting primarily centered around the discussion of newly approved House rules, which sparked significant debate among members. Notably, the Democratic representatives expressed concerns regarding the ban on Democrat chairs, which they argued undermines their power within the legislative body. Chair Ramon Romero and Representative Ann Johnson articulated the sentiment that, despite these challenges, the Democrats are committed to advocating for the needs of all Texans. They emphasized the need for honest discussions around critical issues such as public education, women's health care, and maternal mortality rates.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • However, the problem is that the current statute lags behind technological innovation and leaves AI-powered
  • The House passed House Bill 1510, which permitted electric utilities outside the ERCOT power region to
  • say that the Illinois law prevented or significantly interfered with federally authorized banking powers
  • Walmart doesn't have this problem; I mean, they have big buying power.
  • What we're talking about is that small, and 40 stores is not small, but you have no negotiation power
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • power that can't perform when needed most.
  • the hospitals or to power a neighborhood or other essential services.
  • If a TDU lacks the least generation capacity necessary to aid in restoring power to customers during
  • Big buying powers.
  • What we're talking about is that small—40 stores is not small—but you have no negotiating power.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 3rd, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • power that can't perform when needed most.
  • power that can't perform when need it most.
  • to power a neighborhood or other essential services, that that would have been a great help.
  • There was one of these 32-megawatt backup generators in Algoa, in Galveston County.
  • capacity necessary to aid in restoring power to customers during a significant power outage.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first took up several pending and uncontested bills. It favorably reported SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2148, and SB 1968, and also moved SB 2321 to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 819, which would change how the Public Utility Commission reviews proposed utility-scale solar and related interconnection projects. The committee substitute would shift the default so interconnection is allowed unless the PUC affirmatively prohibits it within 180 days, limit denial to cases where harm substantially outweighs benefits, remove public meeting requirements, retain setback and financial assurance provisions, add optional application materials such as national security and environmental information, and restore local control over county tax abatements. The substitute was adopted and SB 819 was favorably reported to the full Senate on a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 231, focused on CenterPoint’s use of large emergency generators after Hurricane Beryl. Senator King explained that the original bill was intended to prevent customers from being charged for non-mobile generators that were leased at great cost and did not match the bill’s emergency-response purpose. CenterPoint’s Jason Ryan apologized for the company’s communication failures and said the company would make customers whole through a combination of rate reductions, foregone storm-cost recovery, and a donation of the 15 large generators to ERCOT for about two years to address a San Antonio-area reliability issue, with the company absorbing the associated costs. PUC Executive Director Connie Corona said the commission could enforce the agreement through its contested-case process. Public testimony included consumer and reliability advocates, one of whom argued utility-scale microgrids should be preserved as a policy option. SB 231 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 986, which would create an alternative process for routine Public Information Act requests so local governments can make initial redactions without sending every routine exception to the Attorney General, while preserving an appeal path and training requirements. Supporters said it would reduce backlog and speed access to records; opponents argued it would shift the burden to requesters and encourage delay. The AG’s office testified that the process could improve efficiency and still fit within current timelines if used promptly. SB 986 was left pending. Finally, SB 584 was briefly laid out to require consumer reporting agencies that buy data from others to ensure the information complies with Texas law on excluded items such as bankruptcies, judgments, and tax liens, and SB 600 was heard on heir property. SB 600’s substitute would strengthen notice, require an attorney ad litem, add an heir’s bill of rights, allow settlement conferences, and require fair-market-value sales protections; supporters said it would curb predatory partition practices, while opponents warned some provisions could burden or diminish minority heirs’ property rights. SB 584 and SB 600 were left pending after testimony.