About the PUCT - Office of Public Engagement

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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.

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Public Utility Commission of Texas

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About the PUCT Office of Public Engagement The Office of Public Engagement (OPE) educates Texans on the activities of the PUCT and how they can participate in rulemakings, rate cases, hearings, and other important activities. Contact Information 512-936-7374 public@puc.texas.gov Public Participation Find out how to participate in an open meeting. Complaints If you have complaints about your electricity, water, or sewer service including problems with your bill, please contact the Consumer Protection Division. Rulemaking - The PUCT adopts the rules, which companies must follow in many parts of the electricity, water, sewer, and telecommunications industries. When the PUCT proposes rule changes the public can share their input on the proposal before final adoption. Learn How To Participate Recent Rule Changes Rulemaking Process Overview IOU Water Rate Process Electricity Electricity Rates - The PUCT does not set the final price of electricity charged by retail electric providers. We set the delivery charges for the poles and wires that carry electricity from the generator to the consumer. Electric Transmission line routes - While the PUCT does not own or operate power lines, we approve the routes of the larger transmission lines. If you are a landowner and you have received a notice that you might be affected by a transmission line, you can find information about the routing process here: Landowners and Transmission Line Cases at the PUC \| Español Guide to the Rate Case Process for Electric Utilities: INSIDE ERCOT American Electric Power (AEP) Texas CenterPoint Energy Oncor Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) OUTSIDE ERCOT El Paso Electric (EPE) Entergy Texas Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) Xcel Energy (SPS) Water PUCT oversees the rates and boundaries of privately-owned water and sewer utilities. These tend to be smaller utilities in rural areas. If you have questions about your water or sewer bill, please contact the Consumer Protection Division. If you have concerns about the quality or safety of your water or sewer discharge, please contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Water and Sewer Rates - The PUCT reviews proposed rate changes by investor-owned water or sewer utilities. We also hear appeals of rate changes by customers of water supply corporations, districts, and certain city water customers. To learn more about appealing a decision made by a board of directors or city council affecting your retail water or sewer utility rates please click on the following link: Appealing a Rate Change Decision Public Notice Resources IOU Water Rate Process Telecommunications Lifeline Telephone Discount If you have questions about your Lifeline telephone discount, find a Lifeline provider in your area at cnm.universalservice.org. The PUC does not regulate cell phone service. What the PUCT Does Not Do: Cell Phones Complaints about your wireless service should be directed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. FCC Wireless Communications Bureau Website: https://www.fcc.gov/wtb/ Cable Television If you have a complaint about your cable provider, the PUCT encourages consumers to contact the cable provider to resolve issues. Depending on the nature of the complaint, consumers may need to appear in court for a complaint resolution. The FCC has customer service standards for some cable providers. Information on these standards and matters that are under the FCC's jurisdiction can be found at the FCC's Cable Service Bureau. Natural Gas Utilities Complaints about your gas service should be directed to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). Drinking Water Quality Complaints about the quality of your drinking water, pressure, or safety of your water should be directed to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Long Distance Phone Service Complaints about your long distance phone service should be directed to the FCC's guide to Local, Local Toll, and Long Distance Calling. City-owned Electric Utilities Municipal utilities are governed by a local board or city council. Utility rates and service policies are set by these local entities. Contact your local city council or utility board regarding municipal utilities such as electric, water and sewer service.