Bandera, TX — Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is taking a stand against proposed legislation that threatens to spike costs for rural Texans and put more power in the hands of Austin and Big Telecom. Texas House Bills 3445 and 3448 (HB 3445 & HB3 448) propose changes to how telecommunications providers access electric cooperative poles—changes that could lead to significant cost increases for co-ops like BEC, ultimately impacting our members and their pocketbooks.
If passed, these bills would allow major telecommunications corporations to use cooperative-owned poles at little cost while shifting the financial burden of pole maintenance and upgrades onto co-ops and their members. This unfair advantage for large telecommunications companies could result in higher electric rates and fiber internet rates for hardworking rural Texans.
There are well-intentioned but misguided legislators who believe these bills will bring more competition to underserved areas. To date, the pattern of behavior from telecommunication companies such as Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative (GVTC), Hill Country Telephone Cooperative (HCTC); Southwest Texas Telephone Cooperative; GTE Southwest/Verizon (now Frontier); and Southwestern Bell Telephone (now AT&T) show that to be completely false. The federal government gave $1.1 billion in federal subsidies to provide service in the areas they serve. This funding is intended to expand broadband access in rural Texas—including areas within BEC’s service territory. Despite this enormous public investment, these organizations have repeatedly chosen not to build out broadband service to BEC’s membership.
Instead, some of these subsidized providers are now supporting legislation that would force electric cooperatives like BEC to subsidize their infrastructure further by giving them low-cost access to our poles — poles built and maintained by our members’ hard-earned dollars. These companies have had both the resources and the regulatory advantage for years and have failed rural Texans. Now, they want to shift even more costs onto our rural communities while reaping the benefits.
BEC has long allowed other providers, including competitors, to attach to our poles for a rate that is set and maintained by our member-elected board. In fact, AT&T has used BEC’s poles since 1955. Yet, despite this access, they have chosen not to bring internet service to our region. Why? Because these companies have deemed our rural communities unprofitable. These bills will make it so our board can no longer make the rules, and instead we will have to comply with a more costly set of regulations by overreaching Austin bureaucrats.
“Rural cooperatives across Texas are already working hard to keep energy affordable and reliable for their members,” said BEC CEO Bill Hetherington. “Allowing major telecommunication providers to access our infrastructure, without contributing to the upkeep, will drastically increase costs for co-ops like BEC—costs that will be passed directly to our members. We will not stay silent while rural Texans are steamrolled by corporate interests.”
BEC urges its members and all rural Texans to take action. Contact the Texas House Subcommittee on Telecommunications & Broadband and express your opposition to HB3445 and HB3448. Your voice is crucial in ensuring that legislation supports, rather than harms, our communities. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.BanderaElectric.com or call 866-226-3372.
Want to learn more about why BEC is standing up against House Bills 3445, 3448 and 5604?
These proposed bills pose a serious threat to our ability to manage cooperative infrastructure in a way that best serves our members and our community. Read our blog post, “Keep Austin Politics Out of the Hill Country: Why BEC Opposes HB 3445, HB 3448 and HB 5604,” to learn how these legislative changes could negatively impact you and your electric service.
Take further action by joining Voices for Cooperative Power!
Voices for Cooperative Power (VCP) is a grassroots network of more than 1.1 million advocates working together to shape energy policies that keep the lights on. Electric co-ops like BEC play a vital role in powering rural communities — and by joining VCP, you can have a voice in the decisions that impact your access to safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. Join the movement and tell your representatives to SAY NO to HB 3445, HB 3448 and HB 5604 by clicking here.
About Bandera Electric
Established in 1938, Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is a member-owned cooperative dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to its members. Serving over 29,000 members and delivering electric service to 40,000 meters, BEC operates within a seven-county territory in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. With a steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its members, BEC has pioneered a range of advanced programs. Since 2017, BEC has expanded its services to include fiber-optic broadband internet, ensuring high-speed connectivity for its rural communities. Additionally, BEC offers comprehensive behind-the-meter energy solutions, including Apolloware, an advanced, real-time energy management platform, solar power installations, and energy storage systems. For more information, visit BanderaElectric.com or call 866.226.3372.
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Bandera Electric Cooperative
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