Yes, Texas has a Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC is responsible for overseeing public utility services in Texas, ensuring that companies that provide essential services such as electricity, water, natural gas, and telecommunications provide safe, reliable service at a reasonable cost.
The PUC also regulates the rates and services for public utilities, as well as the laws and rules applicable to them. The Commission’s goal is to protect consumers and to ensure that utilities provide adequate and efficient service to the public.
Who does the Texas PUC report to?
The Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas is a state agency that regulates all types of utility services, including electric, telecommunications, water, and waste-water services. It is responsible for ensuring that these services are provided in a safe, efficient, and reasonable manner and for protecting ratepayers from anti-competitive behavior by encouraging competition and innovation.
The PUC is governed by a three-member Commission appointed by the Governor of Texas and each Commissioner serves a six-year term. The Commission is accountable to the Governor of Texas, the Texas Legislature, and the public.
The PUC carries out its responsibilities and duties consistent with the Texas Public Utility Act, other applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations and other policy guidance as adopted by the Texas Legislature.
It also provides informational services to the public in order to promote and protect consumers when it comes to electric, water, telecommunications and other utility services.
How do I file a PUC complaint in Texas?
Filing a complaint with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas is fairly simple. To file a complaint, you will need to fill out and submit a complaint form online or by mail. The online form is available on the PUC website.
Alternatively, you can submit a letter of complaint that details your issue.
To ensure that your complaint is properly processed and addressed, you must provide the following information:
-A description of the problem or issue you are having.
-Your contact information including your name, address, and phone number.
-The company or person responsible for the issue.
-Any other relevant information that supports your complaint.
Once your complaint is filed, the PUC will review your complaint and will contact you to discuss a resolution. It may be necessary for the PUC to contact the company or person you are having a dispute with so it’s important to provide as much detail as possible in your complaint.
The PUC complaint process typically takes between 30 and 60 days to complete, so it’s important to be patient while the process is being carried out. If you are unhappy with the resolution offered by the PUC after your complaint has been reviewed, you can appeal the decision and have the case reviewed again.
Where is the Public Utility Commission of Texas?
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is located in the Erwin Center at 1701 North Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. The Commission is responsible for regulating the state’s electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities.
It also overseas the rates and services of those utilities to ensure fair, reliable and safe services to customers. The PUCT serves to protect customers, foster competition, and promote high quality and efficient utility services at reasonable rates.
The Commission staff consists of 140 professionals who provide research, record maintenance, licensing, and other services utilizing state-of-the-art technology. The Commission meets to consider and act on rate cases and other matters related to the regulated utility markets.
The Commission is composed of three members, who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. In addition to hearing and deciding cases, the Commissioners are actively engaged in legislative and educational outreach programs.
Who regulates water rates in Texas?
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates water rates in Texas. The TCEQ reviews local utility rate cases on a biennial basis and ensures that the surcharges, fees and bills customers receive are in compliance with their regulations, as well as approved rate increases over time.
The TCEQ also monitors the quality of water that is supplied to all Texas residents by making sure it meets state standards. Not only is the TCEQ responsible for water rates, they also regulate wastewater services.
Customers can file a complaint with the TCEQ concerning their water or wastewater bill if they believe it is not compliant with the regulations.
Who are the Texas PUC commissioners?
The Texas PUC commissioners are five members of the Texas Public Utility Commission, appointed by the governor and they serve six-year terms. The commission has exclusive jurisdiction over all public utility matters in the state.
The current commissioners are Arthur C. D’Andrea (chair), DeAnn Walker (vice-chair), Shelly Botkin, Peter Lake, and Seth Christensen. Prior to their current roles, Commissioner D’Andrea was a Partner in the Houston Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group of Norton Rose Fulbright and Commissioner Walker was previously a Partner in the Austin office of Bracewell L.
L. P. , where her practice focused on environmental, administrative and litigation matters. Commissioner Botkin is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. Commissioner Lake is a former professional manager in the energy field as well as a former governmental and public affairs consultant with over 20 years of experience.
Commissioner Christensen is Chief Executive Officer of Christensen Energy Solutions, L. P. – an energy consulting and contracting firm.
The Texas PUC strives to ensure reliable, safe, and fairly priced utility services to Texas customers by regulating the state’s electric, telephone and water utilities, administering and enforcing the laws and regulations that govern them, and representing the public interest in the areas of rates, service, safety and the environment.
The commissioners are responsible for writing and enforcing regulations, overseeing the review process of rate applications as well as handling contested cases. They oversee all enforcement activities, investigate violations of laws and regulations, and conduct hearings related to contested rate and service issues.
The Commissioners also have the authority to issue orders and opinions related to cases before the Commission.
What is the Texas Universal Service Fund assessment?
The Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF) is one of the Universal Service Funds in the United States created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The purpose of TUSF is to ensure that all citizens in the state of Texas have access to telecommunications services.
The TUSF can be funded through telecommunications service providers, such as mobile phone companies, landline providers, cable companies, etc. These companies are charged an annual assessment, known as the Texas Universal Service Fund assessment.
This assessment goes towards supporting several different initiatives, such as funding phone service to low-income households, supporting the Lifeline program for telephone service for the elderly, and providing funding for integrating telecommunications services into urban areas.
The assessment is designed to ensure that everyone in Texas has access to the same telecommunications services regardless of their geographical location. Currently, the TUSF assessment is assessed at a rate of 1.
76 percent of the intrastate gross revenues of telecommunications companies providing services in the state of Texas.
How do I dispute a water bill in Texas?
If you have a dispute with a water bill in Texas, it is recommended that you contact your specific water utility, or the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas at (888) 782-8477. You should be prepared to provide your account number, your address, and the complaint information when speaking with the water utility or PUC.
You may be asked to provide additional information and/or documentation to help them investigate the dispute.
If you have filed a complaint with the PUC and are dissatisfied with the outcome, then you may have the right to appeal the decision to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. In order to appeal the decision, you must file a written petition within 60 days of receiving the PUC’s decision.
Alternatively, if the dispute is with a private water utility, and the dispute cannot be resolved directly with the utility, you may need to file an action in one of the justice courts or the district court in your county.
When filing the claim, you must clearly state the basis of your complaint and seek a remedy with which the water provider disagrees.
It is ultimately up to you to choose the appropriate resolution method based on the facts of your case. If you are at all unsure of what you need to do to successfully dispute your water bill, it is recommended that you contact a knowledgeable attorney who is familiar with handling cases related to water utility disputes in Texas.
Does NERC have authority over ERCOT?
No, NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) does not have authority over ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas). While NERC is an international body that sets and enforces rules and standards to ensure the reliability of North America’s bulk power system, ERCOT is an independent and nonprofit reliability entity specifically responsible for Texas’ electric power system.
ERCOT is an organization that is both licensed by, and subject to regulation by, the Texas PUC. NERC does not have authority over ERCOT, but the standards they set and enforce may be used by ERCOT to set its own regional rules and regulations.
For example, the ERCOT Reliability Standards are based on the NERC Operating Reliability Standards, and ERCOT has established requirements for bulk power system operations which are based on the NERC Reliability Standards.
Why is ERCOT not regulated by FERC?
ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) is an electric grid and wholesale power market operated by a organization of the same name and is not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
This is because ERCOT does not participate in interstate commerce. The electric lines within ERCOT generally remain confined to the electric market in the State of Texas and may not cross state lines.
Therefore, FERC does not have jurisdiction to oversee, regulate or otherwise become involved with the operations of ERCOT, as it does with entities that participate in interstate commerce.
The operations of the ERCOT market consists of the sales of electricity from generators to retail electric providers and other customers who serve Texas consumers. ERCOT is solely responsible for maintaining and operating the electric grid and overseeing the wholesale electricity market within its boundaries.
This means that its members have agreed to certain rules and regulations that have been specifically designed for Texas, its energy market and its electric customers.
Given this, state agencies such as the Public Utility Commission of Texas are responsible for determining market rules in ERCOT, ensuring its reliability and handling other related matters. ERCOT also works with the applicable Texas entities to administer certain functions like transmission costs, retail funnels, access to services and services compatibility, just to name a few.
Therefore, since FERC does not have authority over the operations of ERCOT due to the fact that it does not participate in interstate commerce, the responsibility for the regulation of ERCOT falls solely on the state entities.
Who regulates the operation of power plants?
The regulation of power plants typically falls to several different government agencies at the state and federal level. On the federal level, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary regulator of power plants.
The EPA is responsible for establishing and enforcing regulations related to the emissions of pollutants, water effluent limits, and construction requirements for power plants. Additionally, the EPA sets rules and standards that power plants have to follow in order to protect public health and the environment.
At the state level, there are a variety of agencies and commissions responsible for regulating power plants. These agencies may be charged with ensuring compliance with federal regulations, enforcing state-level electricity standards, or issuing permits for the construction of power plants.
States may also have their own standards and regulations for power plants and energy production, which may include renewable energy goals or energy efficiency programs. Additionally, states may have oversight of power plant safety and licensing of workers, as well as monitoring and reporting on plant operations.
Is the Texas energy market regulated?
Yes, the Texas energy market is regulated. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is the responsible authority for managing the power grid in Texas. ERCOT is overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), which is responsible for implementing regulations that promote reliable and reasonably priced electricity in the state.
The PUCT is responsible for regulating the market prices of electricity in Texas. According to the Texas Public Utility Code, retail electric providers must charge prices that do not exceed the maximum allowable market price.
This is done through a competitive bidding process. The PUCT also conducts periodic reviews to ensure the regulated prices are fair and that the retail electric companies are complying with the rules.
Additionally, the PUCT regulates the process of connection to the power grid and establishes safety requirements for the construction and operation of power plants and transmission lines. The PUCT also provides oversight of Electric Reliability Councils’ operations.
Overall, the Texas energy market is highly regulated by the PUCT to ensure reliable and reasonably priced electricity in the state.
How are power plants regulated?
Power plants are regulated at both the Federal and State level. The Federal government regulates safety and health standards for all commercial power plants, as well as other aspects of resource use and distribution of electric energy.
The State governments often supplement Federal rules and regulations for power plants with their own regulations. Generally in the US, electric companies must obtain a license from a State Public Utilities Commission before beginning operations.
At the Federal level, power plants are regulated by several agencies including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
The NRC is responsible for enforcing radiation and nuclear safety standards, while the EPA ensures that air and water pollution is minimized. FERC sets rules and regulations related to the interstate sale and transmission of electrical energy.
State governments also play a part in ensuring that the power plants in their jurisdiction comply with state regulations, as well as the standards of the Federal government. This includes setting standards for plant performance, health and safety, and environmental protection.
Regulations may include requirements for the use of specific fuels, waste disposal, and water and air pollution rules. In addition, regulators may also set limits on power plant emissions and require periodic monitoring and inspections of the plant.
How do I file a complaint against my electric company in Texas?
If you want to file a complaint against your electric company in Texas, you can do so by submitting a complaint to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). You can call toll-free at 1-888-782-8477 or submit an online form at https://www.
puc. texas. gov/consumer/ask/complaints/.
When submitting a complaint, you must provide your name, address, phone number, account number, a description of the complaint and the service location. You must also provide the company name and address, the contact person and any other relevant information.
You will be asked to provide evidence and additional information to support your complaint. The PUCT will investigate your complaint and try to promote resolution.
If the PUCT is unable to resolve your complaint, you can file a formal complaint with the agency, which will be referred to as a formal complaint before the Commission docket. The formal complaint must state the alleged violations and should include testimony, affidavits and any other documentary evidence in support of your claims.
The formal complaint should include the company name, contact information and address, the customer name and address, the customer account number, a brief statement of the complaint and the customer’s requested relief.
You can find additional information on filing a complaint as well as contact information for the PUCT on their website at https://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/complaints/.
Who are the members of the Texas PUC?
The members of the Texas Public Utilities Commission (PUC) are:
Chairman DeAnn Walker, Commissioner Arthur D’Andrea, and Commissioner Kimberly Ross, who were appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in December 2016. Chairman Walker was most recently the Deputy Executive Director, Division of Licensing and Regulation at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Commissioner D’Andrea has had a long career in public service, including working as Special Assistant Attorney General and as Assistant General Counsel for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Commissioner Ross is the former Chief Internal Auditor for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Previous members of the PUC were: Commissioner Ken Anderson, who served since 2012 and was appointed by former Governor Rick Perry; Commissioner Kenneth W. Countiss, who served since 2012 and was appointed by former Governor Rick Perry; Commissioner Shelly Botkin, who served since 2015 and was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott; and Commissioner David H.
Porter, who served since 2005 and was last appointed by former Governor Rick Perry.
PUC staff members include Budget & Fiscal Operations, Enforcement and Compliance Services, General Counsel, Legislative & External Relations, Public Utility Counsel, Operations, Regulatory Administration and Technology & Telecommunications.
The mission of the PUC is to provide fair regulation of the state’s electricity, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities, as well as transportation providers, through consistent standards, regulations, and enforcement of statutory obligations.
The PUC strives to protect the public interest and ensure Texas customers have access to safe, efficient and reliable services, while encouraging competition and economic development in the state.