Sec. 13.4133. EMERGENCY RATE INCREASE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subchapter F, the utility commission may authorize an emergency rate increase for a utility for which a person has been appointed under Section 13.4132 or for which a receiver has been appointed under Section 13.412 if the increase is necessary to ensure the provision of continuous and adequate services to the utility's customers. The commission and utility commission shall coordinate as needed to carry out this section.
(b) A utility that receives an emergency rate increase under this section shall provide to each ratepayer notice of the increase as soon as possible, but not later than the first utility bill issued at the new rate.
(c) An emergency order may be issued under this section for a term not to exceed 15 months. The utility commission shall schedule a hearing to establish a final rate within 15 months after the date on which an emergency rate increase takes effect. The utility commission shall require the utility to provide notice of the hearing to each customer. The additional revenues collected under an emergency rate increase are subject to refund if the utility commission finds that the rate increase was larger than necessary to ensure continuous and adequate service.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 170 (H.B. 1600), Sec. 2.74, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 171 (S.B. 567), Sec. 74, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 853 (S.B. 1148), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2015.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 2 - Water Administration
Chapter 13 - Water Rates and Services
Subchapter K. Violations and Enforcement
Section 13.411. Action to Enjoin or Require Compliance
Section 13.4115. Action to Require Adjustment to Consumer Charge; Penalty
Section 13.413. Payment of Costs of Receivership
Section 13.4131. Supervision of Certain Utilities
Section 13.4133. Emergency Rate Increase in Certain Circumstances
Section 13.414. Penalty Against Retail Public Utility or Affiliated Interest
Section 13.415. Personal Penalty
Section 13.4151. Administrative Penalty
Section 13.416. Penalties Cumulative
Section 13.417. Contempt Proceedings
Section 13.418. Disposition of Fines and Penalties; Water Utility Improvement Account