URECC Members – Please Read

Texas House Bill 3448 (HB 3448) is currently being considered and could directly affect URECC and our members if passed.

Here’s what the bill would do:

-Require electric cooperatives to provide access to our poles for cable and broadband companies

-Allow the Texas Public Utility Commission to set the rates and terms for those attachments, based on federal FCC guidelines

-Remove the ability for co-ops and telecom companies to negotiate contracts on pricing or timelines

-Shift certain costs to co-op members, including:

-Replacing or upgrading poles for telecom attachments

-Installing larger poles when needed for new developments or public projects

-Engineering and design work related to pole sizing

-Require co-ops to share accounting records with telecom companies, without requiring the same in return

-Allow telecom companies’ work to be prioritized over co-op service requests

-Increase risk to private property from third-party contractors, with limited options for recourse

HB 3448 would change how co-ops operate and how costs are shared. If you have concerns about this bill, we encourage you to contact your local State Representative and Senator.

Thank you for staying informed and involved.
 

-Representative Drew Darby (carrying the bill)

Email: drew.darby@house.texas.gov

-Representative Jay Dean

Email: jay.dean@house.texas.gov

-Representative Cole Hefner

Email: cole.hefner@house.texas.gov

-Senator Bryan Hughes

Email: bryan.hughes@senate.texas.gov