Commissioners hear Hill Country Energy update as PUCT rules and battery storage draft rules move toward comment

A commissioner reported to the Kerr County Commissioners Court that the Hill Country Energy Subregional Planning Commission is forming a subcommittee to work on legislation related to battery energy storage and will submit formal comments to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on proposed substantive rules.

The commissioner said the subregional commission also is reviewing proposed state fire marshal draft rules to update NFPA standards and related UL standards relevant to battery energy storage systems. “PUCT is proposing substantive rules applicable to battery energy storage, which are now open for public comment,” the commissioner said, and the commission plans to request a public hearing and submit formal comments.

The commissioner also reported outreach from a public‑relations firm representing Esvolta, a developer for an East‑West battery project along I‑10; the commissioner said he agreed to meet with the firm but had not received follow‑up. Commissioners noted they had each received contact from the developer’s representatives and that meetings may help the county understand project proposals and local impacts.

The item was presented as informational. Commissioners and staff emphasized continued intergovernmental coordination on fire‑marshal rules and standards and said they would consider formal comment and hearing requests through the subregional planning body.