1. (a) Notwithstanding Section 39.502, an electric utility subject to this subchapter that elects to deploy advanced metering and meter information networks may recover reasonable and necessary costs incurred in deploying advanced metering and meter information networks. An electric utility that elects to deploy advanced metering or meter information networks is subject to commission rules adopted under Sections 39.107(h) and (k). The commission shall ensure that any deployment plan approved under this section and any related customer surcharge:

   1. (1) are not applicable to customer accounts that receive service at transmission voltage; and

   2. (2) are consistent with commission rules related to advanced metering systems regarding:

      1. (A) customer protections;
      2. (B) data security, privacy, and ownership; and
      3. (C) options given consumers to continue to receive service through a non-advanced meter.
2. (b) An electric utility subject to this subchapter that elects to deploy an advanced meter information network shall deploy the network as rapidly as practicable to allow customers to better manage energy use and control costs.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (H.B. 1595), Sec. 1, eff. May 14, 2019.