At Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC), we have always prioritized providing reliable service to our members while fostering a competitive telecommunications environment. However, proposed legislation—House Bills 3445, 3448 and 5604—threatens our ability to manage our infrastructure in a way that best serves our community.
Competition Isn’t Coming
One of the biggest misconceptions about these bills is that they will bring more internet competition to our area. To say that is unlikely is an understatement. Telecommunications companies have always had the ability to access our poles, and in fact, AT&T has been on our 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 may bring competition to other areas in Texas, but not here. BEC has always supported competition, and we already have multiple competitors operating in our service territory that use our poles. The reality is that companies had the option to invest here long ago and chose not to, which is how BEC Fiber was born.
Stripping Local Control & Raising Costs
Currently, the cost of using our poles and determining reasonable upkeep is managed by our member-elected board—people who understand our region and the needs of our members. HB 3445, HB 3448 and HB 5604 would strip that local control away and place it in the hands of unelected bureaucrats in Austin.
If these bills pass, BEC would be forced to comply with mandates that don’t consider the unique needs of the Hill Country. This unnecessary government oversight will increase costs, requiring more maintenance, more employees, and ultimately more expenses that will be passed on to our members.
Take Action to Protect Our Community
We strongly oppose HB 3445, HB 3448 and HB 5604, and we need your help to stop them. Call the Texas House Subcommittee on Telecommunications & Broadband today and let them know that these bills will harm rural Texans by increasing costs and removing local decision-making. Keep Austin out of the Hill Country—our communities know what’s best for us.
Use the contact information below to make your voice heard and protect our local control. Together, we can ensure that decisions about our infrastructure remain in the hands of the people who live and work here.
Suggested Call Script:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I am calling to express my opposition to House Bills 3445, 3448 and 5604, as they would impose unfair burdens on rural electric cooperatives like Bandera Electric Cooperative. These bills could lead to higher electric rates for rural Texans and negatively affect our quality of life. I urge Representative [Committee Member's Last Name] to do what is right for rural Texas and oppose HB 3445, HB 3448 and HB 5604. Thank you."
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
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 press release, "BEC Stands Against Unfair Legislation that Threatens Rural Texas," 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 and HB 3448 by clicking here.