May 7, 2026 — The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) today adopted a new rule establishing the Texas Backup Power Package (TBPP) Program. The program will help fund installation of TBPP systems at critical facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, emergency response centers, and water utilities to supply emergency power during extreme weather and other emergencies. The TBPP Program is one of four programs established under the Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) to strengthen electric reliability.
“Texans depend on critical facilities to stay up and running during emergencies,” PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson said. “This program helps make sure nursing homes will have the power to care for residents, hospitals can treat patients, and emergency services will remain available when Texans need them most. Put simply, the TBPP will save lives.”
The TBPP Program will provide grants and loans to qualifying critical facilities for the design, procurement, installation, and operation of backup power packages. Eligible facilities include hospitals, assisted living facilities, police and fire stations, emergency communication centers, community heating or cooling centers, storm shelters, water and wastewater facilities, and other sites essential to community health, safety, and well-being.
Under the rule, backup power packages must be capable of operating for at least 48 continuous hours without disruption or refueling. The systems must include a combination of natural gas or propane generation, battery storage, and solar generation designed to provide reliable power during prolonged outages and emergency conditions.
Adoption of this rule completes the PUCT's rulemaking for all four TxEF programs. The TxEF was established by the Texas Legislature and Governor Greg Abbott, and overwhelmingly approved by Texas voters, to support electric reliability and resiliency across the state.
More information about the TBPP Program and the TxEF is available on the PUCT’s website.
