TX SB715

Expands reliability requirements in the ERCOT power region to apply to all electric generation facilities with standard interconnection agreements that have operated for at least one year, removing the previous limitation to only facilities with agreements signed on or after January 1, 2027

Adds new exemptions from ERCOT reliability penalties for resources that can demonstrate 24 continuous hours of operation at or above seasonal average generation capability (through own generation or contracts with battery storage or other resources) and for resources with dual grid interconnections providing dispatchable generation

Requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas to adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2027, and exempts facilities with existing power purchase agreements from compliance until those agreements expire

Directs PUC and ERCOT to consider rebating collected penalties directly to consumers or redirecting penalties toward reliability incentives, prioritizing maximum financial benefit to consumers while meeting reliability needs

Allows penalties and incentives to be phased in over multiple years to mitigate market disruptions that could increase consumer costs