Public Utility Commission secures refunds, bill credits

Austin—The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) secured refunds and bill credits of $502,982 for Texas electric, water, and telecommunications consumers in fiscal year 2024 (Sept. 2023 – Aug. 2024). The agency’s Consumer Protection Division (CPD) team of 20 employees assisted customers who reported billing issues or other complaints across the three industries the PUCT regulates, closing a total of 12,876 complaints during the fiscal year.

“Protecting consumers is the first commitment listed in our agency’s mission statement, and our staff works every day to make sure Texas utility consumers are treated fairly and receive high quality service,” CPD director Chris Burch said. “The PUCT’s CPD staff is available and ready to help consumers resolve billing issues or other concerns with their electric, water, or telecommunications service. We always encourage customers to work with their provider first to resolve complaints, and we are here as a resource if additional help is ever needed.”

Dollar value of refunds and bill credits secured, categorized by industry in Fiscal Year 2024:

 | Industry | Dollar Amounts of Refunds and Credits
 | Electric | $393,576
 | Water | $89,272
 | Telecommunications | $20,134
 | TOTAL | $502,982

 

The PUCT’s Consumer Protection Division also assists consumers with issues relating to electric, water and telecommunications utility disconnections and refusal of service. In total, the division fielded 32,552 calls from customers throughout the fiscal year.

In the fourth quarter of 2024 (June – Aug. 2024), the PUCT secured refunds and bill credits of $104,067 for 3,994 electric, water and telecommunications customers.

*Note: These totals are calculated at the end of each fiscal quarter for the purposes of this announcement. These totals are subject to change as complaints opened during the fiscal quarter progress through the resolution process.

SOURCE Public Utility Commission