H.B. 953 - Energy Assurance Summary

• Expands Chapter 125C to cover all energy resources beyond just petroleum, establishing the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) as the lead agency for energy assurance planning and analysis.

• Requires DBEDT to conduct systematic analyses of the State's energy resources to assess supply disruptions, vulnerabilities, and interdependencies, and to develop energy assurance and emergency response plans.

• Establishes confidentiality protections for information provided to DBEDT and the Public Utilities Commission, restricting use to specified purposes and limiting access to authorized state agencies and personnel.

• Clarifies the Director of DBEDT's authority to implement emergency measures during declared shortages or states of emergency, including rules for fuel distribution, purchase and resale, and regulatory waivers for substitute fuels.

• Redefines "shortage" and adds "state of emergency" as triggers for monitoring and reporting requirements, allowing the Director to collect information from major energy producers, distributors, transporters, storers, marketers, and users.