The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has now referred the Texas Water Utilities (TWU) System Improvement Charge (SIC) case—Docket No. 58682—to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). As part of this process, the Commission is preparing its Preliminary Order, which will define the issues that SOAH must consider.
Intervenors have a critical opportunity right now:
PUCT has invited all parties—not just the utility and Commission Staff—to file a list of issues that should be addressed in this case. These filings are due January 22, 2026.
Fair Water Texas strongly encourages you to submit your list. This is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the concerns of customers, neighborhoods, and communities are formally included in the scope of the proceeding.
Why Your Filing Matters
The Preliminary Order sets the boundaries for the entire case. If an issue is not included, SOAH may not consider it later—even if it is important to you as a customer or community representative.
By filing your list of issues, you help ensure that:
- Customer impacts are not overlooked
- TWU’s evidence must address the real-world consequences of its request
- The Commission understands what matters most to the people who pay the bills
Your voice shapes the case at the very beginning, when it matters most.
What You Should File
Your filing does not need to be long or technical. A simple list of issues—written in plain language—is enough.
Below are examples of issues intervenors may want the Commission to address. You may use, adapt, or add to these as you see fit, or you can reach out to Fair Water Texas to file it for you. info@fairwatertexas.org
Examples of Issues Intervenors May Want Addressed
1. Whether TWU has justified the need for a System Improvement Charge (SIC).
- Has TWU demonstrated that the proposed projects are necessary, reasonable, and beneficial to customers?
2. Whether the proposed SIC complies with Texas Water Code requirements.
- Does TWU’s application meet statutory criteria for eligible infrastructure?
3. Whether the SIC would result in just and reasonable rates.
- Are the proposed charges proportional to the benefits customers receive?
4. Whether TWU’s cost estimates are accurate, transparent, and supported by evidence.
- Are project costs reasonable?
- Are there alternatives that would cost less?
5. Whether TWU’s proposed projects are already included in base rates or previously funded.
- Are customers being asked to pay twice?
6. Whether TWU’s proposed timeline and project sequencing are appropriate.
- Are the projects prioritized based on actual system needs?
7. Whether TWU has adequately considered customer affordability.
- What is the impact on low‑income households, fixed‑income residents, and HOAs?
8. Whether TWU’s past performance supports granting a SIC.
- Has TWU completed prior projects on time and within budget?
- Have past improvements delivered promised service benefits?
9. Whether customer service, water quality, or reliability issues should be addressed before approving new charges.
- Are there unresolved service problems that should be considered?
10. Whether refunds or surcharges should apply once final rates are set.
- Should customers be protected if the SIC is later adjusted?
How to File
You may file your list of issues through the PUCT Interchange at:https://interchange.puc.texas.gov (interchange.puc.texas.gov in Bing)
Include both docket numbers:
PUCT Docket No. 58682
SOAH Docket No. 473‑26‑09364.WS
A simple PDF or letter is sufficient.
Fair Water Texas Is Here to Help
If you would like assistance drafting your filing—or want us to review your issue list before you submit it—Fair Water Texas is happy to support you. Your participation strengthens the case for fair, transparent, and accountable water service across Texas.
Thank you for standing up for your community.
