Texas Senate Bill SB717

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the consolidation of more than one water or sewer system under a single tariff by an investor-owned utility.

Impact

The implementation of SB717 is expected to have significant implications on state water management and utility regulations. By permitting the consolidation of tariffs, the bill may lead to more uniform pricing structures for consumers while potentially increasing the service quality and operational efficiency of the utilities involved. However, it also introduces new standards that utilities must meet related to the similarities of the systems they wish to consolidate, thus necessitating compliance with regulatory scrutiny.

Summary

Senate Bill 717 aims to amend the Texas Water Code to allow investor-owned utilities to consolidate multiple water or sewer systems under a single tariff. This consolidation is contingent upon a regulatory authority finding that the systems included are significantly alike in terms of their facilities, quality of service, and costs. Additionally, the bill mandates that the consolidated tariff must encourage water conservation, specifically for single-family residences and landscape irrigation. These measures are seen as a way to streamline operations and encourage efficient water usage across different service areas.

Contention

Some potential points of contention regarding SB717 may include concerns from stakeholders about the implications of a one-size-fits-all tariff structure. Critics could argue that such consolidation might disregard local conditions unique to individual systems, leading to dissatisfaction among customers depending on their specific circumstances. Additionally, while the intent to promote water conservation is commendable, there may be disagreements about how effectively these conservation measures could be enforced and monitored once multiple systems are consolidated under a single tariff.