Relating to the revocation or amendment of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for water or sewer service.
By granting customers the ability to revoke or amend the utility certificates held by companies without compensation, this bill seeks to promote accountability and responsiveness among water service utility providers. The bill does not allow for judicial review or appeal of the commission's decision to revoke or amend the certificate, making the process definitive once a sufficient petition is presented. The implications of this change could lead to a restructuring of service provision in various regions, as utilities may need to be more proactive in addressing customer concerns and demands to retain their certificates.
House Bill 2962 introduces a significant amendment to the Water Code, specifically concerning the revocation or amendment of certificates of public convenience and necessity for water or sewer services. The bill allows customers within a specific geographic area to petition for the removal of their area from the certificated area held by a retail public utility. To initiate this process, at least 60% of the customers must sign the petition, which must be submitted within 60 days of its creation. This change empowers local customers to have a direct say in their utility services and can potentially increase competition among water service providers by enabling customers to switch service areas more easily.
The sentiment surrounding HB 2962 appears to be generally positive among proponents who advocate for greater customer control over their water and sewer services. Supporters argue that this measure will enhance customer rights and promote better service through increased competition among utilities. However, there may be concerns from some utility companies regarding the implications of losing certificates without compensation, which could be seen as undermining their established interests and potentially destabilizing the utility market.
Notable points of contention related to HB 2962 involve the balance of power between utility companies and their customers. Critics may argue that while empowering customers is crucial, this bill could inadvertently deter investments in infrastructure by utility companies, fearing that they could lose their operational territories without sufficient recourse. Such fears are relevant because the bill's provisions eliminate the possibility of appealing the commission's decisions, which could raise questions regarding the fairness of the process.