Texas Senate Bill SB1719

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to appellate jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission regarding certain water or sewer utility fees.

Impact

The implications of SB1719 are significant for both utility companies and consumers. By providing a clear framework for appealing utility fee decisions, the bill seeks to promote fairness in the fee assessment process. The PUC's involvement in reviewing and determining the reasonableness of these fees could lead to better compliance with tariff regulations, ensuring that charges to customers reflect the actual costs of service provision. This could lead to more transparency in how utility fees are structured and assessed, ultimately influencing operational practices within utility companies.

Summary

Senate Bill 1719 addresses the appellate jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) specifically concerning certain fees associated with water and sewer utility services. The bill amends sections of the Water Code to allow applicants from counties or water supply and sewer service corporations to appeal decisions made regarding utility fees that are not regular membership or tap fees. This provision aims to ensure that the utility commission has a role in determining the reasonableness of the fees charged to applicants and their compliance with existing tariffs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1719 appears to be largely supportive among consumer advocacy groups and some lawmakers who see the bill as a positive step towards greater accountability from utility providers. However, there may be concerns from utility companies regarding the additional oversight and potential for increased regulatory burdens. Discussions surrounding the bill seem to emphasize the need for balance between consumer protections and the operational flexibility of utility service providers.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the discussions around SB1719 is likely to revolve around how the PUC's determinations on fee appeals could affect the revenue models of water and sewer service providers. Utility companies may argue that an increased number of appeals could complicate their operations and financial predictability. Moreover, the timelines associated with appealing fee structures may provoke discussions about the efficiency and responsiveness of the regulatory framework, particularly in urgent service situations.