TITLE: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Public Utility Commission of Texas is marking its 50th anniversary in 2025; and WHEREAS, On June 2, 1975, as the 64th Texas Legislature came to a close, lawmakers passed the Public Utility Regulatory Act, and it was signed into law by Governor Dolph Briscoe; the legislation established the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which was vested with the economic regulation of essential utilities, including public water, sewer, electric, and telephone services; the PUCT held its first open meeting on September 2, 1975, immediately after its first three commissioners, chair Garrett Morris, George Cowden, and Alan Erwin, were sworn in; and WHEREAS, True to its consumer-focused mission, the PUCT works to ensure that Texas utility customers are provided with adequate and reliable services at reasonable rates, with consideration for the financial and operational demands of public utilities; the agency's responsibilities include oversight of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the only electric grid that is wholly contained within the borders of a single state and is independent of federal regulation; in addition, the agency is tasked with enforcing reliability requirements for the electric grid and other utilities, managing investor-owned utility rates, and coordinating emergency preparation and response efforts to safeguard vital infrastructure; and WHEREAS, The PUCT has assembled an exceptional workforce of highly skilled attorneys, engineers, accountants, economists, and other professionals; their expertise guides the agency's work involving rate oversight, legislative implementation and rulemaking, and consumer affairs; and WHEREAS, For half a century, the Public Utility Commission of Texas has been instrumental in protecting the interests of utility customers, and the agency is certain to play an important role in helping the Lone Star State navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and extend to all those associated with the agency deep appreciation for their public service; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the PUCT as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. King Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 799 was adopted by the House on May 23, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House