Texas Utilities Code - UTIL § 37.055. Request for Preliminary Order

(a) An electric utility that wants to exercise a right or privilege under a franchise or permit that the utility anticipates obtaining but has not been granted may apply to the commission for a preliminary order under this section.

(b) The commission may issue a preliminary order declaring that the commission, on application and under commission rules, will grant the requested certificate on terms the commission designates, after the electric utility obtains the franchise or permit.

(c) The commission shall grant the certificate on presentation of evidence satisfactory to the commission that the electric utility has obtained the franchise or permit.