Texas electric service providers must respond to complaints within 15 days beginning in September, new rule says

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved rule changes that reduced the number of days an electric service provider has to respond to consumer complaints.

Beginning Sept. 1, electric service providers must respond within 15 days, according to PUC. Under the current rules, electric utilities and retail electric providers have up to 21 days to respond after being notified of a consumer complaint.

“This rule change will speed up the complaint resolution process for electricity consumers in Texas and allow CPD to help more customers resolve issues with their electric service providers,” the PUC said.

In December 2021, PUC voted to move forward with more changes to improve the reliability of Texas’ power grid. The vote came after thousands of Texans were without power for days following the deadly winter storm in February 2021.

According to the Texas Tribune, in March, a Texas appellate court ruled PUC overstepped its authority during the 2021 winter storm when it raised the price of electricity to the maximum $9,000 per megawatt-hour.

In January, PUC approved a redesign of the state’s electric market, which recommended a new model it said would improve grid reliability. PUC Chairman Peter Lake and Gov. Greg Abbott were some of the most powerful state officials in support of the design.

 

Public Utility Commission of Texas (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)
Public Utility Commission of Texas (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved rule changes that reduced the number of days an electric service provider has to respond to consumer complaints.

Beginning Sept. 1, electric service providers must respond within 15 days, according to PUC. Under the current rules, electric utilities and retail electric providers have up to 21 days to respond after being notified of a consumer complaint.

“This rule change will speed up the complaint resolution process for electricity consumers in Texas and allow CPD to help more customers resolve issues with their electric service providers,” the PUC said.

In December 2021, PUC voted to move forward with more changes to improve the reliability of Texas’ power grid. The vote came after thousands of Texans were without power for days following the deadly winter storm in February 2021.

According to the Texas Tribune, in March, a Texas appellate court ruled PUC overstepped its authority during the 2021 winter storm when it raised the price of electricity to the maximum $9,000 per megawatt-hour.

In January, PUC approved a redesign of the state’s electric market, which recommended a new model it said would improve grid reliability. PUC Chairman Peter Lake and Gov. Greg Abbott were some of the most powerful state officials in support of the design.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

<article class="article-list__article" data-article-id="1714163" data-context="headline_list_one_col_image_branded" data-index="0" data-collection="article-list1" data-anvato-params=""pauseOnTabInactive":false
// –>

Tracking the Coronavirus


What is the current COVID risk in your county?

/ 2 days ago

Austin Weather

Current

62°

Cloudy

Tonight

56°

Mostly Cloudy

Precip: 0&percnt;

Tomorrow

72°

Mostly Cloudy To Partly Sunny

Precip: 0&percnt;

Trending Stories


Abbott calls for pardon of Daniel Perry after guilty …


Where can you see total solar eclipse in Texas


Austin home to some of Yelp’s 10 best BBQ joints


Q&A: Daniel Perry found guilty of murder. What now?


Daniel Perry found guilty of murder in protester’s …

Don’t Miss


KXAN’s beloved Kaxan dies after brain cancer battle


VOTE: Help us choose the best viewer photo of March


Which areas of Texas are growing the fastest?


2023 already off to a record start at Austin airport


KXAN launches new news podcasts



Latest weather conditions from the KXAN First Warning Weather team