TX HB4668

Public Utility Commission of Texas may retain consultants, accountants, auditors, engineers, or attorneys to represent the commission in proceedings before regional transmission organizations or courts reviewing such proceedings

Retained professionals may conduct studies, investigations, present evidence, advise the commission, or represent the commission in matters affecting electric utility relationships with power regions and rates paid by Texas retail customers

Electric utilities subject to proceedings must pay reasonable costs of retained services, capped at $1.5 million per 12-month period, with costs recoverable through an annually-reviewed rider that includes carrying charges

Commission must consult the attorney general before retaining non-attorney professionals, and attorney retention requires attorney general approval; registered lobbyists are prohibited from being engaged under this section

Takes effect immediately with two-thirds legislative vote, otherwise September 1, 2025; applies to electric utilities under Subchapters I, J, or K of Chapter 39, Utilities Code