Stop the Attack on Affordable Power for Rural Texans
Legislation in Austin could drive up electricity costs, put safety at risk and harm rural Texans.
Right now, electric cooperatives have a fair agreement with telecom companies to share utility poles. This partnership allows telecom companies to expand services into rural areas, while co-ops can continue providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity.
But three bills being considered threaten to disrupt this agreement in dangerous ways:
- Higher Electric Bills: These bills force co-ops to let telecom companies use their poles at rates so low they don’t cover costs, shifting the financial burden to hard-working Texans.
- Unsafe Conditions: The bills let telecom companies bypass co-op safety standards and hijack private property without the owner’s permission — putting reliable electric service at risk.
Electric co-ops are committed to serving our rural communities. But this legislation puts the needs of major corporations above those of everyday Texans.
We encourage you to take a few moments to invest in your community’s future and reach out to the Texas House Subcommittee on Telecommunications & Broadband to express your opposition to HB3445 and HB3448 and HB5604. Your voice matters, and together, we can stand up for our co-op, our members, and the future of rural Texas.
Subcommittee Members and Contact Information:
~Chair: Representative Rafael Anchía (D)
Phone: (512) 463-0746
Email: rafael.anchia@house.texas.gov
~Vice Chair: Representative Will Metcalf (R)
Phone: (512) 463-0726
Email: will.metcalf@house.texas.gov
~Representative Ana Hernandez (D)
Phone: (512) 463-0614
Email: ana.hernandez@house.texas.gov
~Representative Lacey Hull (R)
Phone: (512) 463-0727
Email: lacey.hull@house.texas.gov
~Representative John McQueeney (R)
Phone: (512) 463-0738
Email: john.mcqueeney@house.texas.gov
~Representative Drew Darby (R)
Phone: (512) 463-0331
Email: drew.darby@house.texas.gov