PUCurrenT-March-2026

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MARCH 2026 VOLUME 11

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PUCurrenT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS

NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS

BEHIND THE SCENES OF WINTER STORM FERN: THE PUCT AT WORK

PUCT Chair Thomas J. Gleeson

When Winter Storm Fern swept across Texas in late January, the PUCT worked hard behind the scenes to help keep communities safe and utility services running. Here’s a look at how the week unfolded. Read more

The Commissioners’ Hearing Room Upgrade is Complete

FINDING CONSUMER HELP ON THE PUCT’S WEBSITE IS EASIER THAN EVER!

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

OPE Corner: Understanding the Water Rate Case Process at the PUCT PUCT Implementing Senate Bill 6 to Prepare for Power Demand from Large Loads

To make it easier for consumers to find help on the PUCT website, we’re launching the PUCT Consumer Help page (formerly the Consumer Information page). This new page is organized by utility service, in a new, easy-to-read format. Read more

PUCT LAUNCHES NEW PERMIAN BASIN RELIABILITY PLAN WEBPAGE

The PUCT has launched a new online information page for the Permian Basin Reliability Plan (PBRP). The PBRP is a major effort ordered by the Texas Legislature to strengthen electric reliability, support regional growth, and ensure the grid can meet rising demand in one of Texas’ most important economic regions. Read more

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

PUCT Chair Thomas J. Gleeson PUCT Water Workshops One of the biggest challenges small or rural private water and wastewater companies face is keeping up with the essential paperwork and administrative requirements needed to keep water flowing for millions of Texans.

Many operators are so focused on maintaining their systems that they lose sight of PUCT filing requirements, deadlines, or the day‑to‑day tasks that keep their operations strong — and many have few, if any, employees to help.

To support them, the PUCT’s Division of Utility Outreach launched water workshops across Texas last year, with more scheduled in 2026. Our team of water experts is meeting operators where they are, walking them through PUCT rules, and offering practical guidance on everything from bookkeeping and financial management to long‑term planning.

These workshops aren’t just classes we offer — represent our commitment to protecting Texans. By giving operators the tools and knowhow they need to stay compliant, the PUCT is helping the smallest and most rural providers maintain reliable service to their communities.

Strong operators mean fewer disruptions, better service, and more resilient water systems across the state.

These workshops are one more way the PUCT goes beyond just enforcing the rules — we’re making sure Texans get the safe, clean water they need every day.

Thomas J. Gleeson

JOIN US! Free IOU Workshop on PUCT Compliance The PUCT is offering free, hands-on training for small and rural Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs). The goal of the workshops is to strengthen the financial recordkeeping and bookkeeping practices of IOU operators, owners, managers, and anyone involved in utility management.

There are two remaining workshops for 2026.

Registration information for the April 22 workshop in Kerrville is available on the PUCT’s website. The date and location of the last workshop for 2026 will be announced on our website in late April.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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BEHIND THE SCENES OF WINTER STORM FERN: THE PUCT AT WORK When Winter Storm Fern swept across Texas in late January, the PUCT worked hard behind the scenes to help keep communities safe and utility services running. Here’s a look at how the week unfolded: Tuesday, Jan. 20: The PUCT’s Critical Infrastructure Security and Risk Management (CISRM) team began closely monitoring weather forecasts and checking in with utilities to assess preparedness.

Wednesday, Jan. 21: Storm coordination ramped up quickly. Staff joined at least three daily calls, including: Statewide weather briefings hosted by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Energy Industry Coordination calls with ERCOT, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), electric and gas providers, and other agencies.

Early‑morning PUCT–ERCOT coordination calls to prepare for peak electricity demand.

Chairman Gleeson, Executive Director Connie Corona and PUCT staff in the State Operations Center

Thursday, Jan. 22: Chairman Gleeson briefed Governor Abbott and joined him for a press conference. Meanwhile, CISRM began 24/7 staffing at the State Emergency Operations Center (SOC), where agencies work together in real time to solve problems and direct resources.

Chairman Gleeson briefing Gov. Abbott and State Emergency Management on electric grid readiness

Friday, Jan. 23: As the storm approached the Panhandle, PUCT ramped up public outreach. Safety messaging gained strong traction online: the Storm Resources webpage drew more than 3,400 views, and a pinned post on X reached nearly 22,000 people.

Saturday, Jan. 24: Fern arrived, and the PUCT’s Government Relations team kept state leaders informed through frequent status updates and rapid responses to legislative inquiries.

Sunday, Jan. 25: By late morning, the storm had moved east of Texas. Local outages, primarily caused by ice accumulation on lines and trees, peaked around 130,000 statewide, with most occurring in East and Northeast Texas.

Monday, Jan. 26: As the new week began, ERCOT recorded a morning peak demand of 75,922 MW. The PUCT’s Consumer Protection Division focused on reviewing storm‑related concerns from customers.

Wednesday, Jan. 28: The PUCT’s CISRM team concluded its 24/7 staffing at the SOC. Winter storms demand coordination, communication, and quick problem‑solving. Throughout Fern, PUCT teams across the agency worked around the clock to support Texans. We’re ready 24/7 to protect Texans—both on the front lines and behind the scenes.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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THE COMMISSIONERS’ HEARING ROOM UPGRADE IS COMPLETE

Excuse our dust (and thanks for your patience this winter). The Commissioners’ Hearing Room (CHR) upgrade is complete! The CHR is being refreshed with new technology to improve visibility, sound quality, and the overall meeting experience for everyone—whether you’re attending in person or joining online.

What’s New The room now features: Improved lighting around the Commissioners’ dais Clearer audio throughout the room with an updated speaker layout Two large TVs for viewing presentations, plus six small monitors for Commissioners and the court reporter A modern, digital presentation setup that replaces the old projector and screen Higher quality video thanks to better video technology These improvements make presentations easier to follow and meetings more accessible to both in‑room audiences and livestream viewers.

How Presentations Will Work Going Forward As always, presentations are limited to those specifically requested by the Commission or staff.

An invited presenter will now control the presentation slides using his or her own laptop, which connects to the room system through an HDMI cable (USB‑C adapter available). To keep meetings running smoothly, invited presenters should: Have their presentation open in presentation mode before plugging in Silence notifications on their laptop File presentation materials into the appropriate interchange project at least one day before the meeting If you haven’t visited the updated CHR yet, stop by and see the improvements in action—it’s a better experience all around.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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FINDING CONSUMER HELP ON THE PUCT’S WEBSITE IS EASIER THAN EVER!

To make it easier for consumers to find help on the PUCT website, we’re launching the PUCT Consumer Help page (formerly the Consumer Information page). This new page is organized by utility service, in a new, easy-to-read format. It features the most common questions consumers ask us for help with, along with the PUCT’s answers.

What’s New on the PUCT Consumer Help Hub We’ve launched a clearer, easier way for Texans to get help with electricity, water/wastewater, and telephone issues, including billing questions, outages, and complaints.

Not sure where to go? The site now explains what the PUCT regulates—and what it doesn’t—with quick links to the right agencies for natural gas, wireless service, cable TV, municipal utilities, and more.

Each utility section features streamlined guidance to help you protest rate increases, understand charges, find your provider, and access bill‑payment assistance.

Texans with serious medical conditions that require electricity to support their health or those facing unique situations (like utility mergers or dropped calls) can easily find dedicated resources.

If you still need help, the hub makes it simple to reach the PUCT’s Consumer Protection Division or Office of Public Engagement for personalized assistance.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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PUCT LAUNCHES NEW PERMIAN BASIN RELIABILITY PLAN WEBPAGE The PUCT has launched a new online information page for the Permian Basin Reliability Plan (PBRP).

The PBRP is a major effort ordered by the Texas Legislature to strengthen electric reliability, support regional growth, and ensure the grid can meet rising demand in one of Texas’ most important economic regions.

The PBRP includes both local transmission upgrades and new 765 kV lines designed to move large amounts of power efficiently across Texas and reduce line congestion that can drive up consumer costs.

Visitors to the new webpage can explore interactive project information, access filings for newly submitted transmission line applications, learn how to participate in the PUCT’s routing process, and see which counties may be affected.

All PBRP transmission projects must file quarterly reports tracking project progress, timelines, and costs with the PBRP Monitor—offering transparency as these large-scale infrastructure investments move forward. A public dashboard featuring quarterly reports is coming soon.

Visit the new webpage to stay informed and learn how to participate in upcoming transmission line cases that may affect your community.

NEW OWNERSHIP SECURES RELIABLE WATER SERVICE FOR THREE TEXAS COMMUNITIES In January, the PUCT approved the sale and transfer of three small water systems—Vista Utilities, Villa Utilities, and Reed Estates—to SP Utility Company.

The move ensured long‑term, stable water service for the 85 customers served by these systems.

The PUCT had previously stepped in after the former owner abandoned operations, appointing a temporary manager to keep the systems running. During that period, the manager oversaw emergency responses to multiple water well failures and restored a consistent supply of safe drinking water. With the sale finalized, that temporary management ended, and SP Utility became the certified water provider for the communities.

SP Utility already operates several water systems across Southeast Texas and has demonstrated the financial and technical capability to support customers in the newly acquired areas.

Residents seeking more information can contact SP Utility at (832) 534‑8515; they can also reach the PUCT’s Office of Public Engagement at 512‑936‑7374 or public@puc.texas.gov. Additional details are available in PUCT Docket No. 54973.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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PUCT IMPLEMENTING SENATE BILL 6 TO PREPARE FOR POWER DEMAND FROM LARGE LOADS As data centers and large power users flock to Texas, the PUCT, ERCOT, and industry stakeholders are developing rules and strategies to ensure grid reliability.

Senate Bill 6, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, requires the PUCT to establish rules for managing the increased power demand brought on by highvolume power users, known as “large loads.”

PUCT staff hosting Large Load Workshop

So far, the PUCT has hosted four public workshops, received thousands of pages of public comments, and started five projects for implementation of new rules.

Project No. 58479: Establishing rules for new large loads that will be located with an existing generation resource, making less power available to the grid.

Project No. 58480: Establishing rules for forecasting the future demand of large loads for identifying transmission planning needs and performing resource adequacy assessments.

Project No. 58481: Establishing standard rules for connecting large load customers to the ERCOT grid in a manner that supports business development, minimizes the potential for stranded infrastructure costs, and maintains system reliability.

Project No. 58482: Developing a paid service for procuring power use reductions from large loads to help balance supply and demand on the grid.

Project No. 58484: Evaluating whether the existing methods used to assign the cost of transmission projects to Texas consumers are fair to all consumer groups.

Updates regarding the overall implementation of SB 6 are available in Project No. 58317.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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OPE CORNER: UNDERSTANDING THE WATER RATE CASE PROCESS AT THE PUCT

By Mike Hoke, OPE Director

Jurisdiction over water utilities may differ depending on where you live and who provides your service, but once a water rate case reaches the PUCT, the path forward follows a clear and consistent process.

While understanding how water rates are set can feel complex, the steps are more straightforward than you might expect. Let’s break down the rate case journey—showing you what happens, when it happens, and how you can engage along the way.

1. Case Arrives at the PUCT A water or sewer utility files an application for a rate change with supporting evidence.

PUCT staff and an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) conduct an initial completeness review to ensure the application includes enough information to continue processing it.

2. Case Referred to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) Most cases are sent to SOAH for a formal, court‑like process.

Parties prepare to present evidence, testimony, and arguments before the ALJ.

3. Public Participation Opens It’s very important that consumers participate. Consumers can join the case in two ways: Option A: File a Protest (Public Comment) Submit a written statement opposing the proposed rate change.

The protest becomes part of the public record and highlights key issues for all parties.

Option B: Apply to Intervene (Become a Legal Party) Consumers directly affected by the rate change can apply to become an intervenor—an active participant in the case with legal standing.

To intervene, file a request in the docket explaining to the judge how you are affected.

Intervenors may: File testimony, Cross‑examine witnesses, and Participate in settlement discussions.

Intervenors may be required to participate in the case or risk being removed by the ALJ

4. Discovery & Evidence Phase Parties exchange information, submit testimony, and file formal motions.

This phase can involve multiple rounds of filings and hearings.

5. SOAH Hearing A formal hearing is held where: The utility defends its proposed rates.

Intervenors and PUCT staff present their cases.

The ALJ considers all evidence, testimony, and public input.

(Continued on next page) Public Utility Commission of Texas

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OPE CORNER: UNDERSTANDING THE WATER RATE CASE PROCESS AT THE PUCT (CONTINUED)

By Mike Hoke, OPE Director

6. Proposal for Decision (PFD) After the hearing, the ALJ issues a Proposal for Decision summarizing findings and recommending actions by the PUCT.

7. PUCT Reviews the Case The case returns to the PUCT. The Commission evaluates the ALJ’s recommendations, PUCT staff analysis, and public input.

8. Final Decision at an Open Meeting The Commission votes in an open meeting to approve, deny, or modify the proposed rates.

Final rates take effect after this decision.

9. After the Case The PUCT issues a final order.

New rates are applied by the utility.

Consumers may continue to raise questions or concerns with the PUCT’s Consumer Protection or OPE teams.

Need Help? Contact OPE. If you receive a notice about a rate change, the Office of Public Engagement can walk you through the process and explain how you can participate. Email us at public@puc.texas.gov or call us at 512-936-7374 with questions.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR TEXAS: WORK WITH US! If you want to be part of a mission-driven organization filled with Texans working for Texans, we want to work with you! It’s our job to ensure reliable, affordable, and accountable electric, water and telecom utility service for Texans and our fast-growing state.

We have several openings in various programs across the agency. Please visit our website for our latest career opportunities.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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CONSUMER RESOURCES

Monitor outage maps and find contact information for them on our Storm Resources page: https://puc.texas.gov/storm

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHOOSE!

Understanding the types of plans that are available can help you make better decisions for your home and your family’s needs.

Use the USERS GUIDE for best results!

POWERTOCHOOSE.ORG Visit Powertochoose.org to learn more!

PUCT IS HERE TO HELP! CONSUMER HELP HUB Your Most Common Utility Questions — Answered.

$219,802 CUSTOMER REFUNDS/BILL CREDITS (DEC. 2025 – FEB. 2026)

QUESTION OR COMPLAINT ABOUT YOUR UTILITY SERVICE?

CONTACT US 1-888-782-8477 consumer@puc.texas.gov

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The mission of the Public Utility Commission of Texas is to protect customers, foster competition, and promote high quality utility infrastructure.

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