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.
Entergy Texas, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), and El Paso Electric Company are investor-owned electric utilities that provide power generation and electric delivery to customers.
The rates charged by these utilities are set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT sets rates that allow the utility to recover the costs of providing electricity along with an opportunity for a reasonable rate of return on their investment.
These utilities must notify customers when they request a rate change from the PUCT. Customers and groups affected by a rate change are entitled to participate in the rate case and express their thoughts about the rate request.
Application - The utility files an application for a rate change with the PUCT. The application includes financial, engineering, and customer-usage information supporting the new rates.
Administrative Completeness - PUCT technical staff and the PUCT's internal administrative law judge determine if the application contains the basic information to proceed with the rate case.
Deadline to Intervene - PUCT technical staff and the PUCT's internal administrative law judge determine if the application contains the basic information to proceed with the rate case.
Referral to State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) - SOAH is a state agency, separate and independent from the PUCT. SOAH conducts hearings, collects evidence and testimony.
Proposal for Decision - After hearing from the different sides and considering the law and evidence, the SOAH judge makes a recommendation to the PUCT Commissioners. The PUCT Commissioners are not bound by the recommendation from the SOAH judge.
Open Meeting - The PUCT Commissioners vote on a rate change request during a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public and broadcast online. Duly registered intervenors may speak during the open meeting. They must request "Oral Argument" before the meeting to address the commission.