Rich Paces | Kerr County Commissioner Pct 2

Commissioner Rich Paces explains why Texas must restore strategic planning authority over electric generation and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) — while highlighting the actions already underway in Kerr County to protect public safety.

By Rich Paces
Kerr County Commissioner, Precinct 2
President, Chapter 391 Hill Country Energy Sub-Regional Planning Commission

Introduction

Texas is at an important crossroads in energy policy. The current deregulated electricity generation market increasingly allows private developers — not the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) — to determine where electric generation and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are built.

While competition has its place, critical infrastructure affecting electric reliability, public safety, emergency response, and utility costs requires strategic planning and responsible oversight.

In this opinion article published by Texas Scorecard, Commissioner Rich Paces explains why restoring greater planning authority to the PUCT would strengthen grid reliability, improve public safety, reduce unnecessary costs to Texas ratepayers, and ensure energy infrastructure is developed in the best interests of Texans.

Read the Texas Scorecard Article → Watch the PUCT Public Hearing →

Published Opinion

The full article, "Why the PUCT Must Stop Outsourcing Our Grid Security," is available on Texas Scorecard. Shorter versions have also been submitted to several local newspapers and additional statewide publications to broaden public discussion surrounding Texas energy policy.

PUCT Public Hearing Testimony

The Chapter 391 Hill Country Energy Sub-Regional Planning Commission requested a public hearing before the Public Utility Commission of Texas regarding its proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) regulations.

Commissioner Rich Paces presented testimony during the hearing along with other experts and community leaders.

Highlights include:

Opening testimony begins approximately 6 minutes into the hearing.
Particularly compelling testimony from Kristina Richie begins around the 55-minute mark.

"The electric grid is too important to leave entirely to market forces. Texans deserve strategic planning that protects reliability, affordability, and public safety."

Protecting Kerr County

Rather than waiting for state action alone, Kerr County has already begun implementing measures to strengthen local oversight of proposed Battery Energy Storage System developments.

Actions already completed include:

Approved a Fire Marshal permit process and fee schedule.
Requires commercial developers to obtain county development permits.
Requires developers to fund expert technical reviews of project documentation.
Contracted nationally recognized fire safety expert Dr. Robert Steele to assist with technical review.
Solicited applications for a contract Fire Marshal to oversee compliance and inspections.
Continuing to work closely with community leaders throughout Kerr County to ensure public safety remains the highest priority.

Help Spread Awareness

Read the Texas Scorecard opinion article.
Watch the PUCT public hearing testimony.
Stay informed about ongoing efforts to protect Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country.

Disclaimer: This post is an unofficial summary provided for informational purposes only and should be verified against the original published article and official county records.

Why the PUCT Must Stop Outsourcing Our Grid Security