Relating to a study and report on burying power lines in the Gulf Coast region.

HB 842 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission to study the feasibility of burying power lines in the Gulf Coast region (within 150 miles of the coast). The study must examine costs for burying existing overhead lines, maintenance expenses for underground lines, potential savings from reduced weather-related outages, and the use of relevant technologies. The commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to state leaders by September 1, 2026, but the bill does not fund or mandate burying lines - only assess the costs and benefits. This affects Gulf Coast communities prone to weather-related power outages.