IOUs and WSCs: Notify the PUCT of CCN Boundary Extensions
Are you an Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) or a Water Supply Corporation (WSC) extending service up to a quarter mile beyond your current Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) boundary? If so, you must notify the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) within 30 days of starting service in the area. According to Title 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 24.229(a), you must notify the PUCT in writing and submit a map showing the area you are serving beyond your CCN. If you plan to extend service beyond this area, you must apply for a CCN amendment with the PUCT.
Act now to ensure compliance and avoid any potential issues. Contact the PUCT today at DUO@puc.texas.gov to learn how to submit your documentation or to learn more about the CCN amendment process.
Which Agency Is It?
The PUCT and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) work together on retail public water and sewer utility matters in Texas. The PUCT often gets questions from the public regarding which agency is responsible for certain water or sewer regulatory requirements. To help the regulated community, we have listed a few of the more common responsibilities below:
PUCT TCEQ
Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCNs)
Applications
Water and Sewer Rate Setting
Permits
Water Notices
Billing & Customer Service Water Quality Concerns
Critical Facility Filings Drought Contingency Plans
Tariffs Emergency Preparedness Plans
Temporary Management/Receivership
Temporary Management/Receivership
The agencies work together on temporary management/receivership matters of abandoned water and sewer utilities. Both have the authority to appoint a temporary manager over an abandoned utility or refer the utility to the Office of the Attorney General for the appointment of a receiver through District Court.
Wholesale Water Provider Requirements
Wholesalers that provide water service to a retail public utility are required to provide the PUCT with a copy of the wholesale water supply contract within 30 days of the date of the execution of the contract. Compliance with 16 TAC Section 24.15(b) requires the wholesaler to provide the following information:
• amount of water being supplied,
• terms of the contract,
• consideration being given for the water,
• purpose of use,
• location and source of supply,
• point of delivery,
• limitations on the reuse of water (if any),
• a disclosure of any affiliated interest between the parties to the contract, and
• any other condition or agreement relating to the contract.
Engaging your Community in Water Conservation
With summer approaching and drought impacting Texas, it is important to remind consumers about water conservation and practical saving tips. We recommend raising public awareness to educate consumers about the source of their drinking water and the vulnerabilities you face with supply during the summer months.
We suggest using social media, billing inserts, and community boards to spread awareness of different stages of your drought contingency plan and what each stage requires from consumers to comply with the plan Sharing tips and providing updates to keep everyone informed and motivated and engaging community members in conservation initiatives can also be helpful in times of drought By implementing these strategies, small water utilities can foster a culture of conservation and encourage the community to actively protect local water resources.
Join the Conversation
We value your input! This newsletter is about sharing information and creating a dialogue. If you have questions, feedback, or topics you’d like to see covered, we encourage you to reach out
DUO is committed to helping retail public water and sewer utilities understand, navigate, and achieve regulatory compliance with the PUCT. DUO@puc.texas.gov
