Recognizing the Public Utility Commission of Texas on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

89(R) SR 474 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 474

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to

recognize the Public Utility Commission of Texas in honor of its

50th anniversary of service to the people of Texas; and

WHEREAS, On June 2, 1975, the Public Utility Regulatory Act

was passed during the final hours of the 64th Texas Legislature

and was signed into law by Governor Dolph Briscoe; this landmark

legislation established the Public Utility Commission of Texas

and placed the economic regulation of essential services

including water, sewer, electric, and telephone utilities under

its jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, The commission held its first open meeting on

September 2, 1975, following the swearing-in of the first

appointed commissioners, Garrett Morris, George Cowden, and Alan

Erwin, and its first rate case was filed on September 1, 1976, by

Southwestern Bell Telephone Company; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, the commission's core

objectives have remained consumer-focused and dedicated to

ensuring Texans are provided adequate, and reliable utility

services at reasonable rates that support the infrastructure

needs and economic requirements of the services the commission

regulates; and

WHEREAS, The duties and responsibilities of the Public

Utility Commission of Texas include oversight of the Electric

Reliability Council of Texas, rate regulation of

investor-owned utilities, enforcement of grid reliability

requirements, emergency management and disaster preparedness,

and protection and restoration of life-critical utilities for

Texans; and

WHEREAS, The success of the agency is driven by its

extraordinary workforce of dedicated and highly skilled

attorneys, engineers, accountants, economists, and

professionals whose knowledge and contributions have guided

the commission through decades of legislation, regulation,

education, and conflict resolution relating to utility

services relied on by all Texans; and

WHEREAS, As the economy and prosperity of Texas continue to

grow, the Public Utility Commission is well-positioned to meet

the state's rising demand for electricity and water and

additional evolving, critical utility needs for the next 50 years

and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby commend all involved with the Public Utility

Commission of Texas and congratulate the agency on 50 years of

outstanding service to the people of the Lone Star State; and, be

it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for

the agency as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Schwertner

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on May 1, 2025.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate