🟡An act relating to the reliability of the electricity supply chain.

🟡 SB 2148: Grid security drills for attacks and outages

What it says it does:
The bill requires the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to run regular practice drills with utilities to prepare for seasonal power strain and possible physical attacks on substations.

What it actually changes:
It sets up a permanent schedule for statewide tabletop exercises. Every utility must join at least one physical attack exercise by December 31, 2026, and repeat them every two years. Companies must file a written statement that they coordinated with law enforcement.

Who is pushing for it:
Support noted in the files from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Oncor Electric Delivery, Citizens’ Climate Lobby affiliates, Texas Right to Know, and True Texas Project. PUC and ERCOT staff registered as “on” the bill.

Who benefits:
Large utilities gain a clear statewide framework that supports security investments and protects sensitive site data from disclosure. PUC and ERCOT gain resources and a mandate to lead coordination. Law enforcement gains formal recognition of their role in grid incidents.

Who gets left out or exposed:
The public does not see after-action reports, so communities cannot judge whether drills lead to real fixes. Smaller providers may feel the staffing and time costs more sharply. Transparency advocates lose a window into oversight.

Why this matters long term:
It locks in a security model that values confidentiality and attestation over public accountability. That precedent could carry into future laws on cyber or infrastructure security, shaping how much Texans ever learn about readiness gaps.

What to watch next:
PUC and ERCOT rulemaking may quietly set the bar for how rigorous or perfunctory these exercises are. Watch for follow-up bills on cybersecurity drills or security investment cost recovery through utility rates.

Bottom line:
This bill ensures utilities and state agencies practice for grid attacks, but it trades transparency for confidentiality. Texans gain more drills, but not more visibility into whether problems are actually fixed.