Fair Water Texas has released a comprehensive, plain‑language analysis of Initial and Reply Briefs filed in PUC Docket 58124, Aqua Texas’s statewide rate case. This special report explains what Aqua is asking for, what the intervenors found, and what it means for communities across Texas.
This is the first time all major party positions have been consolidated into a single, easy‑to‑read summary. We encourage property owner associations, neighborhood groups, and local leaders to review and share it widely.
What the Briefs Show
Across all parties, several themes emerge:
1. Aqua Texas’s Position
Aqua argues that its records are sufficient, its investments are prudent, and its requested rates—including a 10.6% return on equity—are justified. The company defends its recordkeeping systems, capitalization practices, and statewide consolidation model.
2. OPUC’s Findings
The Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC) identifies major recordkeeping failures, including disorganized documentation, missing or inconsistent invoices, and an inflated rate base. OPUC recommends hundreds of millions in disallowances and a significantly lower ROE.
3. Hays County Intervenors
HCI echoes OPUC’s concerns and argues that Aqua’s application is so disorganized and unsupported that it should be returned and resubmitted. They highlight systemic errors in capitalization and service quality issues.
4. City of Houston
Houston argues its customers already overpay and should not subsidize other systems through consolidation. The City opposes rate increases and challenges Aqua’s service quality and cost allocations.
5. Fair Water Texas
FWT’s brief focuses on the lack of evidence that consolidation benefits customers, ongoing service quality failures, and the shifting of costs from high‑cost to low‑cost systems. FWT proposes a Customer Impact and Investment Accountability Plan if consolidation is approved.
What Happens Next
The Administrative Law Judges will now prepare a Proposal for Decision (PFD) based on the evidence and arguments in these briefs. Parties will have an opportunity to comment before the PFD is finalized and sent to the Public Utility Commission for action.
Download the Full Special Report
We have prepared a detailed, reader‑friendly report summarizing all party briefs:
Download the Special Report (PDF)
Please share this report with your Property Owner Association, HOA board, or neighborhood group. The more Texans understand what’s at stake, the stronger our collective voice becomes.
