Texas House Bill HB1461

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to customer notification of water loss by a retail public utility.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB1461 would amend existing regulations in the Texas Water Code, specifically Section 13.148. By creating a formal requirement for customer notification, the bill serves to enhance consumer awareness about water conservation and utility efficiency. This transparency is expected to lead to greater public scrutiny of how utilities manage water resources and can potentially lead to pressure on utilities to adopt better practices in reducing water losses. Furthermore, this bill aligns with ongoing efforts in Texas to improve environmental stewardship and manage water resources effectively, especially in the face of drought conditions.

Summary

House Bill 1461 addresses the requirement for retail public utilities in Texas to notify their customers about any reported water loss that occurs during water audits. The bill mandates that retail public utilities, when filing their water audits, must inform their customers of the specific water loss reported. This notification must be included in the utility’s next annual consumer confidence report or sent with the next bill after the audit is filed. The main goal of the bill is to increase transparency regarding water loss issues and to ensure customers are aware of their utility's water management practices.

Contention

While HB1461 appears to have strong support due to its focus on consumer rights and environmental responsibility, discussions surrounding its implementation may raise concerns among utility companies. Some may argue that the requirement for additional notifications could impose financial burdens or logistical challenges on smaller utilities. Additionally, there may be debates about the adequacy of the notification methods and whether they truly reach all customers effectively. The balance of promoting transparency while ensuring practical feasibility for utilities could be a significant point of contention as the bill progresses.