Texas American Water files for another rate increase

By ARLENE NICHOLS Special to the NE News
Residents in area neighborhoods receiving water and /or sewer service from Texas American Water have received notice that the company will be raising rates for water and sewer service. The current increase comes shortly after residents received a refund on the last rate increase by the company. The new rates will go into effect on an interim basis subject to approval by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Last year area residents served by Texas American Water, led by State Representative Kevin Bailey and community leader Irene Garcia, formed Aldine Ratepayers Association to challenge a rate increase by the company. After two day-long hearings, the group reached a negotiated settlement with the company that resulted in a reduction in rates and a refund to the customers. Notice of the most recent rate increase was received the same week that customers received the refunds on their water bills.
“We are determined to fight this outrageous increase. I am working with area residents to file a protest of this latest increase in rates that has been filed with the TCEQ,” said Bailey. “ We have already collected more than 300 signatures on petitions but will need an additional 100 signatures of residents who are customers of Texas American Water.”
Bailey went on to explain that he has requested assistance from the
East Aldine Improvement District so the residents will have legal support when the contested rate case goes to hearing. The hearing process is required by law if more than 10% of the utility’s customers request a hearing. Since Texas American Water has expanded the number of customers by merging two companies, Southwest Utilities and Walker Water
Works, the number of signatures required to successfully require a contested rate hear has increased significantly. Residents of the
Greenwood Village and Colonial Hills neighborhoods have been going door to door with petitions to reach the threshold required to force the hearing. If you have any questions regarding the upcoming meeting or about the contested case hearing, please contact Bailey’s office at 281-847-9000.