Public water and sewer companies are no longer allowed to shut off service during extremely cold weather, according to a rule adopted Oct. 20 by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
The new rule applies to nonmunicipal public utilities, according to a news release. Those companies cannot disconnect water and sewer services or issue late fees during cold-weather emergencies.
PUCT spokesperson Rich Parsons said nonmunicipal utility providers are “investor-owned or private companies, districts and authorities, [water supply corporations] and affected counties.” This refers to any utilities that are not run by a city.
An extreme cold-weather emergency occurs when the highest temperature does not pass 28 degrees Fahrenheit and is expected to remain at that level for at least 24 hours, according to the release. The emergency ends after the temperature exceeds 28 degrees for two straight business days.
