PUCT | 50 Years Serving Texans

What We Do:

The Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates the state's electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implements respective legislation, and provides customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.

Contact

Public Utility Commission of Texas

STAY INFORMED

STAY INFORMED

Page breadcrumbs and sidebar menu launch button
	Navigation Home Contact PUCT En Español Public Utility Commission Consumer Industry Rules & Laws Filings Agency About the PUCT Jobs at the PUC Mission and History Office of Public Engagement PUCT Commissioners PUCT Policies Procurement Information Resources Agency Reports Calendar Consumer Information Cybersecurity Information PUCT News Releases Publications Rules and Laws Administrative Rules Procedural Rules Participating in a PUCT Proceeding Recent Rule Changes Statutes Substantive Rules & Laws Telecom Interconnection Rules Contact Us Contact Us Staff Directory Department Directory Directions and Map Website Support

PUCT General page content
Public Utility Commission of Texas est. 1975 In 1975, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) was born out of the Public Utility Regulatory Act passed by the 64th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Dolph Briscoe. Since its formation 50 years ago, the PUCT has worked to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable life-critical utility services for Texans. Today the PUCT regulates power generators, retail electric providers, and transmission and distribution companies. We oversee the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the Texas electric grid delivering power to 27 million people. We also regulate rates and service reliability for thousands of mainly small, privately-owned water and wastewater utilities across the state. While the telecommunications industry is largely deregulated, the PUCT maintains some limited oversight, including administering the Texas Universal Service Fund. It is our honor to have served Texas over the last half-century, and we look forward to the next 50 years. The Early Years (1975 - 1989) Days of Deregulation (1990-2004) Modern Momentum (2005 - Present) 50 Years of Milestones and Moments (Last Half-Century Timeline) The Early Years: (1975-1989) In 1975, the 64th Texas Legislature passed the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) of 1975, creating the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Gov. Dolph Briscoe appointed Garrett Morris, George Cowden, and Alan Erwin as the first three commissioners. On Sept. 2, 1975, the three were sworn in and held the Commission's first meeting. Commissioners and staff spent the first year setting up the agency, including hunting for their own office space, and developing operational rules and procedures. On Sept. 1, 1976, utilities could begin filing rate cases with the PUCT. Garrett Morris swearing in as commissioner. Date: September 2, 1975 George Cowden swearing in as commissioner. Date: September 2, 1975 Alan Erwin swearing in as commissioner. Date: September 2, 1975 In the commissioners' first organizational meeting immediately after being sworn in, they elected Garrett Morris as chairman. From L to R, Comm. Cowden, Chmn. Garrett Morris, Comm. Erwin. Date: 1975-76 The PUCT's first office space was in a small, north Austin business park on Shoal Creek Blvd., seven miles north of the Capitol Complex. Date: 1980s A PUCT staff member in the pre-computer era. Date: era. 1983 In 1977, just two years after the agency launched, Gov. Dolph Briscoe reappointed Cowden to the PUCT for a six year term (his initial appointment was for two years) and his fellow commissioners selected him to serve as chairman. 1977 In 1977, just two years after the agency launched, Gov. Dolph Briscoe reappointed Cowden to the PUCT for a six year term (his initial appointment was for two years) and his fellow commissioners selected him to serve as chairman. Date: 1977 PUCT staff members manning a mimeograph in the days before Microsoft Word and laser printers. Date: 1983 PUCT commissioners hold an open meeting in the Commissioners' Hearing Room at the Shoal Creek HQ. From L to R, Comm. Rosson (first woman commissioner), Chmn. Ricketts, Comm. Thomas. Date: 1984 When paper was the only way to file with the PUCT, filings came in by the box loads. Date: 1988 Here are boxes filled with thousands of pages for a Houston Lighting & Power filing. Date: 1983 Chairman Alan Erwin (red shirt) and others on a site visit. Date: 1988 Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1975, HB 819, 64th Texas Legislature In 1975, the 64th Texas Legislature passed, and Gov. Dolph Briscoe signed the Public Utility Regulatory Act, which established the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Efforts to create a utility regulatory body in Texas date back to at least 1913. Press Release Announcing Swearing in of Original Commissioners In August 1975, Gov. Dolph Briscoe appointed Garrett Morris, George Cowden, and Alan Erwin the first three commissioners of the PUCT. Transcript from the PUCT's First Meeting of Original Commissioners Immediately following their swearing-in, the new commissioners held the agency's first open meeting, where they selected Garrett Morris the agency's first chairman. Without offices, staff, or supplies, they held the meeting in a conference room in the Attorney General's office. First PUCT Rate Case Filed by Southwestern Bell Utilities could file for rate increases on Sept. 1, 1976, exactly one year after the PUCT was established. Southwestern Bell Telephone was the first utility to file a rate case, proposing a $298.3 million rate increase. Political Cartoon of Ma Bell Credit: Austin American-Statesman Southwestern Bell fights PUCT's decision in the agency's first rate case after Commission approves less than 20-percent of the Texas telecom giant's rate increase request Credit: Austin American-Statesman An early note of support for the PUCT from Comptroller Bob Bullock to Chairman Garrett Morris. As the PUCT established itself as the public utility regulator in Texas, formal and informal guidance on operations and decision-making was frequent and plentiful, as in this letter to Chairman Garrett Morris from Texas State Senator Don Adams. Former Chairman George Cowden, one of the PUCT's original commissioners, on why Texas finally created the PUCT. Former Chairman George Cowden, one of the PUCT's original commissioners, on his appointment by Gov. Dolph Briscoe in August 1975. Former Chairman George Cowden, one of the PUCT's original commissioners, on the pressure of launching a new regulatory agency. Former Chairman George Cowden, one of the PUCT's original commissioners, on enduring challenges before the PUCT, then and now. Days of Deregulation: (1990-2004) During the 1990s, Texas and the PUCT go through major changes to utility regulation. Utility deregulation gains momentum to spur industry competition and more affordable utility service for consumers. The PUCT ushered in a groundbreaking era of choice for electricity consumers by establishing a competitive retail market. For the first time, consumers could select their power provider and billing plan. The PUCT's jurisdiction over the telecom industry was significantly reduced as deregulation of the industry was adopted and implemented. Robert Gee sworn in as the 15th commissioner of the PUCT. 1991 Robert Gee sworn in as the 15th commissioner of the PUCT. Date: 1991 The computer era takes hold at the PUCT. 1990s The computer era takes hold at the PUCT. Date: Early 1990s As the number of rate cases and filings grow, the PUCT deploys groundbreaking Automatic Identification System technology — today we call it the Interchange — to automatically submit and track document filings with the commission. 1990s As the number of rate cases and filings grow, the PUCT deploys groundbreaking Automatic Identification System technology — today we call it the Interchange — to automatically submit and track document filings with the commission. Date: Early 1990s Thousands of hard working, dedicated Texans have served our great state at the PUCT in its 50 years. Many form friendships and tight-knit bonds lasting long after they retire or leave the agency. Here, the PUCT's Hearings Division poses for a quick picture in 1992. 1992 Thousands of hard working, dedicated Texans have served our great state at the PUCT in its 50 years. Many form friendships and tight-knit bonds lasting long after they retire or leave the agency. Here, the PUCT's Hearings Division poses for a quick picture in 1992. Date: 1992 Gov. George W. Bush swearing in Pat Wood III as Chairman of the PUCT. 1995 Gov. George W. Bush swearing in Pat Wood III as Chairman of the PUCT. Date: 1995 PUCT employee Darryl Tietjen receives employee of the quarter award in June 1995. He's still here 30 years later, leading the Rate Regulation Division. From L to R, Comm. Gee, Darryl Tietjen, Comm. Goodfriend, Chmn. Wood. 1990s PUCT employee Darryl Tietjen receives employee of the quarter award in June 1995. He's still here 30 years later, leading the Rate Regulation Division. From L to R, Comm. Gee, Darryl Tietjen, Comm. Goodfriend, Chmn. Wood. Date: 1990s The Electric Reliability Council of Texas becomes one of the nation's first independent system operators, managing the flow of electricity across most of Texas, under PUCT authority. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas becomes one of the nation's first independent system operators, managing the flow of electricity across most of Texas, under PUCT authority. Date: Unkown Gov. George W. Bush signs Senate Bill 253, passed by the 75th Texas Legislature. The bill outlawed the practice of "slamming" where consumers are involuntarily switched from one telephone company to another. In the photo, PUCT Chairman Wood and Commissioner Gee. 1997 Gov. George W. Bush signs Senate Bill 253, passed by the 75th Texas Legislature. The bill outlawed the practice of "slamming" where consumers are involuntarily switched from one telephone company to another. In the photo, PUCT Chairman Wood and Commissioner Gee. Date: 1997 PUCT commissioners testifying on utility stranded costs before the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs. From L to R, Comm. Walsh, Chmn. Wood, Comm. Gee. 1997 PUCT commissioners testifying on utility stranded costs before the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs. From L to R, Comm. Walsh, Chmn. Wood, Comm. Gee. Date: 1997 PUCT Chairman Pat Wood III giving an interview to Dallas media on the consumer benefits of electric choice. 2001 PUCT Chairman Pat Wood III giving an interview to Dallas media on the consumer benefits of electric choice. Date: 2001 The PUCT spent a year educating Texans how to choose a retail electric provider and plan in preparation for competition beginning Jan. 1, 2002. 2001 The PUCT spent a year educating Texans how to choose a retail electric provider and plan in preparation for competition beginning Jan. 1, 2002. Date: 2001 The Texas Electric Choice campaign stops in Killeen to raise the flag and let consumers know they'll soon have the power to choose their electric provider. 2001 The Texas Electric Choice campaign stops in Killeen to raise the flag and let consumers know they'll soon have the power to choose their electric provider. Date: 2001 Deregulation of telecommunications passes in a PUCT sunset bill. In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature passed, and Gov. George W. Bush signed HB 2128, beginning deregulation of telephone service in Texas. Deregulation of the wholesale electric market passes in a PUCT sunset bill. In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature passed, and Gov. George W. Bush signed SB 373, deregulating the wholesale electricity market in Texas and setting the stage for consumer choice four years later. Retail competition in electric industry passes giving consumers choice in electric providers and billing plans. Senate Bill 7, passed in 1999 and signed into law by Gov. George W. Bush, authorizes the PUCT to develop and implement a competitive retail electric market for consumers. View A signed copy of Senate Bill 7 from the 76th Texas Legislature, which brought consumer choice to Texans, allowing them to shop for electric plans and providers. Critical to successfully launching consumer choice in electricity was educating the public about how they would be affected and how to exercise their choice. The PUCT began public outreach almost immediately, once SB 7 was signed into law and that outreach continues today through the Power to Choose website. Press Release Announcing Setting of "Price to Beat" in December 2001. Retail electric choice began statewide on Jan. 1, 2002, following intensive public outreach and education by the PUCT to inform consumers how to choose an electric provider and rate plan. Editorial cartoon shedding a little humor on consumer choice Source: Unknown Power to Choose The PUCT's Power to Choose website provides electric consumers a place to comparison shop for retail electric providers and rate plans. Former Chairman Pat Wood III on his mandate from Gov. George W. Bush to lead deregulation in Texas. Former Chairman Pat Wood III on implementing electric deregulation.. Former Chairman Pat Wood III on why electric deregulation and competition have been more successful in Texas. Former Chairman Pat Wood III on the transition from leading the PUCT to being appointed chairman of the FERC. Watch these blasts from the PUCT's past! In the early 2000s the PUCT produced a series of public service announcements educating Texans about their ability to choose their electric provider and billing plan, and about the importance of energy efficiency. Modern Momentum: The state's fast-growing population and extreme weather events have required the PUCT to increasingly focus on and prioritize reliability in utility regulation, where the agency had historically focused on oversight of rates. Lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri in 2021 led to landmark weatherization reforms and market changes to strengthen grid reliability. Since implementing these reforms, the electric grid has and continues to meet record-setting demand in extreme hot and cold weather without systemwide disruption. Looking to the future, Gov. Abbott, the Texas Legislature and most importantly, Texas voters authorize the PUCT to establish the Texas Energy Fund (TxEF). The $10 billion state fund is incentivizing construction of new, on-demand power plants and helping finance more grid resiliency and reliability projects across Texas. Gov. Abbott signs Senate Bill 3 passed by the 87th Texas Legislature following Winter Storm Uri. The legislation directs the PUCT to implement landmark grid reliability reforms to protect Texans. From L to R, ERCOT Interim CEO Brad Jones, Chmn. Charles Schwertner, Gov. Abbott, Chmn. Chris Paddie, PUCT Chmn. Peter Lake, Sen. Kelly Hancock. 2021 Gov. Abbott signs Senate Bill 3 passed by the 87th Texas Legislature following Winter Storm Uri. The legislation directs the PUCT to implement landmark grid reliability reforms to protect Texans. From L to R, ERCOT Interim CEO Brad Jones, Chmn. Charles Schwertner, Gov. Abbott, Chmn. Chris Paddie, PUCT Chmn. Peter Lake, Sen. Kelly Hancock. Date: 2021 The PUCT expands to five commissioners as required by SB 3, to enable direct collaboration between commissioners. From L to R, Comms. Jimmy Glotfelty, Will McAdams, Chmn. Peter Lake, Comms. Lori Cobos, Kathleen Jackson. August 2022 The PUCT expands to five commissioners as required by SB 3, to enable direct collaboration between commissioners. From L to R, Comms. Jimmy Glotfelty, Will McAdams, Chmn. Peter Lake, Comms. Lori Cobos, Kathleen Jackson. Date: August 2022 Peter Lake visits with South Texas media to discuss the Rio Grande Valley Transmission Project, which will add approximately 350 miles of high-voltage electric transmission lines to the ERCOT grid. October 2022 PUCT Chairman Peter Lake visits with South Texas media to discuss the Rio Grande Valley Transmission Project, which will add approximately 350 miles of high-voltage electric transmission lines to the ERCOT grid. Date: October 2022 Commissioner Lori Cobos (red suit in front of audience) and PUCT Office of Public Engagement staff host a packed Permian Basin Reliability Workshop on the campus of UT Permian Basin in Dec. 2023. The Texas oil and gas industry is driving economic and population growth in the region, driving up demand for power and the PUCT is leading the effort to get it to them. December 2023 Commissioner Lori Cobos (red suit in front of audience) and PUCT Office of Public Engagement staff host a packed Permian Basin Reliability Workshop on the campus of UT Permian Basin in Dec. 2023. The Texas oil and gas industry is driving economic and population growth in the region, driving up demand for power and the PUCT is leading the effort to get it to them. Date: December 2023 Economic regulation of investor-owned water utilities is a big part of the PUCT's mission. On-site visits for PUCT staff like this one to the Texas Water Company's Surface Water Treatment Plant at Canyon Lake are a good chance to better understand how these important facilities serve their communities. March 2024 Economic regulation of investor-owned water utilities is a big part of the PUCT's mission. On-site visits for PUCT staff like this one at the Texas Water Company's Surface Water Treatment Plant at Canyon Lake are a good chance to better understand how these important facilities serve their communities. Date: March 2024 PUCT Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty signs a copy of the just-published Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group Report and Policy Recommendations. November 2024 PUCT Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty signs a copy of the just-published Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group Report and Policy Recommendations. Date: November 2024 PUCT Commissioner Kathleen Jackson doing some hands-on learning about power line maintenance and repair at Pedernales Electric Coop. PUCT Commissioner Kathleen Jackson doing some hands-on learning about power line maintenance and repair at Pedernales Electric Coop. Date: September 2023 Gov. Greg Abbott congratulates Commissioner Courtney Hjaltman following her swearing-in. June 2024 Gov. Greg Abbott congratulates Commissioner Courtney Hjaltman following her swearing-in. Date: June 2024 PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson surveying Hurricane Beryl recovery of power poles and lines in Houston. July 2024 PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson surveying Hurricane Beryl recovery of power poles and lines in Houston. Date: July 2024 PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson (far right, seated) and Commissioner Lori Cobos (far left, standing) join Gov. Greg Abbott and local and state leaders on Hurricane Beryl recovery in Houston. July 2024 PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson (far right, seated) and Commissioner Lori Cobos (far left, standing) join Gov. Greg Abbott and local and state leaders on Hurricane Beryl recovery in Houston. Date: July 2024 Office of Public Engagement Director, Mike Hoke and Division of Utility Outreach Director, Tammy Benter meet with The Channel Oaks Property Owners Association to discuss water utility concerns. May 2023 Office of Public Engagement Director, Mike Hoke and Division of Utility Outreach Director, Tammy Benter meet with The Channel Oaks Property Owners Association to discuss water utility concerns. Date: May 2023 The PUCT awards the first Texas Energy Fund In-ERCOT Loan Program contract to the Kerrville Public Utility Board to finance a new, 122 megawatt natural gas power plant for the utility. Back row, TxEF staff L to R, Glynis Vitanza, Director Tracie Tolle, Kristal Smith, Can Alemdar. Front L to R, PUCT Exec. Dir. Connie Corona, KPUB GM & CEO Mike Wittler. June 2025 The PUCT awards the first Texas Energy Fund In-ERCOT Loan Program contract to the Kerrville Public Utility Board to finance a new, 122 megawatt natural gas power plant for the utility. Back row, TxEF staff L to R, Glynis Vitanza, Director Tracie Tolle, Kristal Smith, Can Alemdar. Front L to R, PUCT Exec. Dir. Connie Corona, KPUB GM & CEO Mike Wittler. Date: June 2025 Competitive Renewable Energy Zones and Renewable Energy Standards In 2005, the 79th Texas Legislature (1st called session) passed, and Gov. Rick Perry signed SB 20, creating the first renewable energy standards for Texas. A key provision created Competitive Renewable Energy Zones, or CREZ, for high-voltage power lines to transport energy from renewable resources in West Texas to cities with high demand for power. PUCT final order adopting CREZ routes CREZ led to a massive build out of solar and wind generation, quickly exceeding the goals set by the legislature. Today Texas is a national and global leader in renewable energy production. Project #33672, Item #1412 In 2013, the Texas Legislature returned rate and economic regulation of private water and wastewater utilities to the PUCT from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The PUCT's Deptartment of Utility Outreach works closely with utilities to ensure they comply with PUCT rules delivering safe, reliable, and affordable water to their customers. In returning rate and economic regulation to the PUCT following the 2013 legislative session, the PUCT and TCEQ entered into a memorandum of understanding to ensure close cooperation between agencies in their respective regulatory roles. The MOU is updated regularly to ensure it remains up to date with current rules and law to protect consumers and the ability of the water industry to operate successfully. Following the February 2021 winter storm and widespread, tragic blackouts, the 87th Texas Legislature passed, and Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 3. The bill directed the PUCT to implement landmark operational reforms for power generators and power line companies, strengthening grid reliability. Signed order adopting landmark weatherization standards for power generators and TSPs resulting from Uri and required in SB 3, 87th Lege (project #51840) Just one year after the devastating impacts of Winter Storm Uri on the Texas power grid, the PUCT closes Phase I of its Blueprint for Grid Reliability project. Phase I includes landmark operational reforms that prioritize reliability, consumer protection, and price stabilization measures. Beryl Report In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to more than 2 million Texans in the Houston region. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the PUCT to investigate severe weather readiness and response of the region's utilities and make recommendations for improvements to better protect Texans. The PUCT took an historic step in April 2025 by approving extra high-voltage, 765 kV transmission lines as part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan The lines will help the energy-rich region of Texas meet fast growing electricity demand and population growth, while boosting overall electric grid reliability. First Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) loan agreement signed. In June 2025, the PUCT signs the first low-interest loan for construction of a new, natural gas-fired power plant. The TxEF is a $10 billion fund overwhelmingly approved by Texas voters in 2024 and administered by the PUCT to provide low-interest loans and grants for new power generation and grid resiliency efforts across Texas. For more, visit the PUCT's TxEF webpage. Chairman Thomas Gleeson on the impacts of the February 2021 winter storm and fast-growing demand for power in Texas. Chairman Thomas Gleeson on the enduring mission and commitment of the PUCT in the agency's first half-century. Chairman Thomas Gleeson on what it means to serve Texas at the PUCT. In the wake of Winter Storm Uri, the PUCT launches a series of workshops to develop and implement critical operational and electric market reforms to strengthen electric grid reliability. Just eight months after Winter Storm Uri, the PUCT adopts landmark weatherization rules for power generators and utilities to protect the grid from extreme weather-related disruptions.