July 11, 2024
Water Rates Increase
This meeting addressed a proposed water rate increase from the local water company. Residents received notification packets in the mail regarding the increase.
The focus of the discussion was on organizing a protest against the proposed rate hike. To force a hearing on the matter, a minimum of 800 residents need to register their protest.
Here are the key takeaways for residents:
Deadline: The deadline to protest is July 24th according to an Austin American Statesman representative.
Docket Number: Reference Docket Number 56665 for all communication regarding the protest.
How to Protest:
Online: Submit a protest electronically through the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) website: https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/filer
E-Filing instructions: https://ftp.puc.texas.gov/public/puct-info/industry/filings/E-Filing_Instructions.pdf
View Filings: See the details of the proposed increase by searching for Docket Number (also referred to as the Control Number) 56665 on the PUCT website: https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/
Types of Protest:
Protest: Simply register your opposition to the rate increase.
Intervention: In addition to protesting, you can request to participate in any potential hearing on the matter.
You can choose to do both.
Spreading the Word: Organizers are seeking volunteers who can translate information regarding the protest into Spanish to reach a wider audience.
Here is a little more context on the rate increase:
Texas Water Utilities, L.P. (TWU) filed an application to increase water and wastewater rates on June 24, 2024. The application requests new rates to be effective on July 29, 2024.
TWU’s stated reason for filing this application is to recover costs from investments the company has made to improve its systems’ infrastructure. The company states that this application is necessary because of the cost of providing services, economic trends, and government mandates like the requirements outlined in Senate Bill 3. TWU committed to filing this rate case as part of a settlement in a prior rate case. The previous rate case concluded on February 23, 2022, and required the company to file a general rate case between February 23, 2023 and February 22, 2025.
Ratepayers can oppose this filing by taking the following actions:
Filing a protest: TWU is required to provide notice of this rate application and instructions on how to protest to all customers affected by the rate change.
Intervening in the case: The notice sent to customers include instructions on how to intervene in the case.
CDC Formation
This meeting also focused on the benefits of establishing a Community Development Corporation (CDC) for the community.
The discussion highlighted the advantages a CDC would offer in negotiations with the water company, similar to what Tesla was able to achieve.
Here are the key takeaways:
Benefits of a CDC:
Increased bargaining power with the water company regarding issues like water rates.
Ability to define clear demands from the community.
Opportunity to create an economic development zone, potentially leading to further growth.
Stronger voice for the community as a whole.
Next Steps:
The CDC’s bylaws are available for anyone interested.
Acquiring a community non-profit status is underway.
To get started, a board with at least five members is needed, with representatives from each community.
The next meeting, scheduled for August 1st, will focus on voting for board members.
A website or Facebook page for the CDC is in the works to facilitate communication and outreach.
If you have any questions about the CDC formation process or the upcoming vote on board members, please reach out to the meeting organizers.