Texas House Bill HB862

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the calculation of charges for a gas utility customer after a leak is detected.

Impact

If enacted, HB 862 would introduce significant changes to the accountability measures for gas utilities in Texas. By requiring timely recalculations of customer charges in the event of a gas leak, the bill aims to enhance transparency and fairness in billing practices. The regulatory authority is also given the power to enforce the necessary rules to implement these adjustments, which could lead to more stringent oversight of how utilities manage their systems and interact with their customers regarding billing issues.

Summary

House Bill 862 focuses on the regulation of gas utility companies in Texas specifically regarding the billing practices of gas distribution utilities when a leak is detected in their distribution systems. The legislation mandates that a gas utility must adjust its charges to customers within 60 days of discovering a leak, ensuring that customers are not charged for gas that was lost due to the leak. This aligns with consumer protection efforts to guarantee that customers are billed accurately for the services they receive.

Contention

While the bill appears to serve consumer interests by preventing unfair billing practices, potential contention may arise over the operational burdens it places on gas utilities. Utility companies may argue that the requirement to adjust charges and establish rules may incur additional costs or complicate their existing operations. Stakeholders may need to evaluate the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational realities of managing gas distribution systems, particularly concerning leak detection and response.