What happens in Austin doesn’t stay in Austin

This year’s Texas legislative session is a busy one for utilities, and some of the issues being discussed could directly impact TVEC and cooperatives around the state.

With the support and lobbying of large for-profit utilities, Texas legislators are considering bills that would change the way co-ops do business and threatens our ability to manage our infrastructure in ways that best serve you, our members.

In particular, House Bills 3445, 3448 and 5604 have the potential to raise our cost of providing services by limiting how we can recover costs from communications companies who attach their infrastructure to our poles. While the expansion of broadband service is a benefit to our community, the costs for bringing that service to our area should be borne by those companies who stand to profit.

We will keep you informed as things progress in Austin.

 

📜 Bill Breakdown (In Simple Terms):

✅ Current System:

Electric co-ops and telecom companies work together to negotiate access for pole attachments. Co-ops share their poles, helping expand internet access to rural areas without risking safety or raising costs.

🚫 HB 3445 & HB 3448 Would:

  • Force co-ops to give pole access at unfair rates
    As a nonprofit cooperative, costs end up being passed to members.
  • Let telecom companies attach equipment without following co-op safety rules
    This puts workers and the public at risk.
  • Ignore landowner rights
    These bills would let telecom companies utilize electric easements without contacting landowners.

🚫 HB 5604 Would:

  • Lower safety standards even more
  • Increase legal and financial risks for co-ops and their members
  • Give telecom companies too much control over our poles

🚨 Why This Matters to You:

These bills don’t help rural Texans — they help big telecom companies by cutting corners, saving them money, and shifting the costs and risks to us.

✅ What You Can Do:

Contact your representative and tell them to OPPOSE HB 3445, HB 3448, and HB 5604.

State Representative Brent Money
Email
(512) 463-0880

State Representative Keith Bell
Email
(512)463-0458

State Representative Cody Harris
Email
(512)463-0730

Contact Lawmakers through Voices for Cooperative Power (Easy pre-made response letters and contact information)

Voices for Cooperative Power

One thing you may want to consider is joining Voices for Cooperative Power. This national grassroots movement is dedicated to watching out for co-op consumers. Once you are signed up, you will receive information on a variety of topics that affect you as a rural electric consumer.

VCP gives you a platform to advocate for policies that protect affordable, reliable energy and support the unique needs of rural America. It’s about people — not politics — and making sure our voices are heard on the issues that matter most. 🗣️✨

Joining is free, easy, and powerful. When we speak together, we’re stronger. 💪

🔗 Learn more or get involved: https://voicesforcooperativepower.com/

#VoiceForCooperativePower #RuralPower #ElectricCoop #StrongerTogether