Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3857

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to periodic rate adjustments by water and sewer utilities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3857 would impact water and sewer utilities significantly by establishing clearer and more efficient mechanisms for adjusting rates tied to infrastructure investments. This could help utilities maintain and upgrade their systems while ensuring that they can recover costs related to such improvements. The bill specifies that a utility cannot increase its charges more than once a calendar year and caps the adjustments to a maximum of five percent of a utility's annual revenue, providing a safeguard against excessive rate hikes for consumers.

Summary

House Bill 3857 aims to amend existing provisions in the Water Code regarding periodic rate adjustments made by water and sewer utilities. Its primary focus is to streamline the rate adjustment process related to infrastructure improvement projects. Specifically, it allows utilities to propose tariffs or rate schedules that could increase or decrease based on their investment in infrastructure, without requiring a contested case hearing. This initiative seeks to enhance the ability of utilities to manage funds necessary for improving water and sewer facilities crucial for public use.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits for infrastructure funding, there are points of contention surrounding HB 3857. Critics may express concerns over the reduced regulatory scrutiny involved in the proposed rate adjustments, as eliminating the necessity for a contested case hearing might limit public input and oversight. There are fears that this might lead to less transparency in the utilities' financial dealings and ultimately increased costs for consumers if not carefully monitored. The bill's impact on local control and consumer advocacy is also a significant aspect of the ongoing discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1015

Relating to periodic rate adjustments by electric utilities.

TX HB3043

Relating to periodic rate adjustments by electric utilities.

TX HB2073

Relating to the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs by electric utilities.

TX HB4213

Relating to rates for electricity charged by certain municipally owned utilities and to the use of revenue from the rates.

TX HB2555

Relating to transmission and distribution system resiliency planning by and cost recovery for electric utilities.

TX SB1111

Relating to transmission and distribution system resiliency planning by and cost recovery for electric utilities.

TX HB2774

Relating to the treatment of income tax expenses in rate proceedings for water and sewer utilities.

TX SB2202

Relating to an assessment of the condition of certain water utilities.

TX SB1865

Relating to the treatment of income tax expenses in rate proceedings for water and sewer utilities.

TX SB2441

Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.