Bill Caption

Relating to the appeal of rates for water or sewer service charged to certain customers in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 387 would allow customers paying for water or sewer service in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality to appeal the rate they pay to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas if the rates for the service increases when a new utility service provider, who is under jurisdiction of the PUC, takes over the provision of the service. 

The appeals process would require that a petition be signed by the lesser of 10,000 or 10 percent of the customers whose rates have increased due to the new service provider.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 387 as this would benefit individual liberty and add more accountability in government by providing a mechanism for ratepayers who reside in an ETJ to appeal rate increases caused by changes in service providers.