The Public Utility Commission of Texas has adopted new regulations for non-municipal public water and sewer utilities. They'll be prohibited from disconnecting customers for non-payment during cold weather emergencies when the temperature drops below 28 degrees for extended periods.
"The new rules put the health and safety of Texans first during extreme cold weather emergencies," said PUCT Chairman Peter Lake. "This means Texans can focus on their family’s safety during extreme cold and work with their water or sewer utility to make sure they pay their bills in a timely fashion."
The new rules were required by Senate Bill 3, which was passed by the Texas Legislature after the winter storm in February of 2021.
Water and sewer customers who are behind on their bills will have a 30-day window to request a payment schedule from their provider. Non-municipal water and sewer utilities are also required to notify their customers about the new rules by January 31st of 2023.
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