Sec. 43.054. RELIABILITY OF ELECTRIC SYSTEMS MAINTAINED. An electric utility that installs and operates facilities to provide middle mile broadband service shall employ all reasonable measures to ensure that the operation of the middle mile broadband service does not interfere with or diminish the reliability of the utility's electric delivery system. If a disruption in the provision of electric service occurs, the electric utility is governed by the terms and conditions of the retail electric delivery service tariff. The electric utility may take all necessary actions regarding its middle mile broadband service and the facilities required in the provision of that service to address circumstances that may pose health, safety, security, or reliability concerns. At all times, the provision of broadband service is secondary to the reliable provision of electric delivery services. Except as provided by contract or tariff, an electric utility is not liable to any person, including an Internet service provider, for any damages, including direct, indirect, physical, economic, exemplary, or consequential damages, including loss of business, loss of profits or revenue, or loss of production capacity caused by a fluctuation, disruption, or interruption of middle mile broadband service that is caused in whole or in part by:
(1) force majeure; or
(2) the electric utility's provision of electric delivery services, including actions taken by the electric utility to ensure the reliability and security of the electric delivery system and actions taken in response to address all circumstances that may pose health, safety, security, or reliability concerns.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (S.B. 5), Sec. 2, eff. September 7, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 727 (H.B. 3853), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2021.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act
Subtitle B - Electric Utilities
Chapter 43 - Provision of Middle Mile Broadband Service by Electric Utilities
Subchapter B. Development of Middle Mile Broadband Service
Section 43.051. Authorization for Middle Mile Broadband Service
Section 43.053. No Additional Easements or Consideration Required