AUSTIN — In a major opening for Aqua Texas ratepayers across Texas, a judge at the Public Utility Commission has extended the opportunity for them to participate in legal processes about proposed hikes to their water and wastewater bills. Download a form here.
Today’s order by Administrative Law Judge Eric Yoon in PUC Docket 58124 makes clear that residents can still file protests or requests to intervene. This ruling keeps the case accessible and gives individuals and communities a renewed chance to request accountability.
“This decision keeps the door open for communities across Texas to get involved, as the Judge recognized that the typical rules setting a 45-day deadline from Aqua Texas’ June 20 application should not apply for now,” said Joe Gimenez, founder of Fair Water Texas.
The ruling follows a letter filed by intervenors on September 4 supporting the positions of Commission Staff and the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). That letter called for suspending Aqua Texas’ proposed rate hike until December, referring the case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), and ensuring transparency for ratepayers across Aqua’s fragmented systems.
Today’s Order No. 20 also grants intervener status to dozens of residents from Aqua’s service areas who filed in August. The Commission made clear that Aqua’s application is still incomplete and that no procedural schedule has been adopted. As a result, residents can still intervene.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone served by Aqua Texas,” Gimenez said. “If you’ve been frustrated by poor service or water quality, or lack of accountability, now is the time to act. The Commission is still accepting interventions and protestors, and your voice matters.”
“Participating in this case adds transparency, fairness, and more local control,” Gimenez added. “This ruling proves that organized communities can push back. Let’s keep going.”