Dallas Gas & Electric Franchise Rate Review

Utilities and Infrastructure Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Dallas, Texas, franchise agreements for gas and electric use of public rights-of-way and related franchise fees can be subject to city review. This guide explains the practical steps to request a franchise rate or fee review, the municipal process, who enforces rules, how to submit petitions or comments, and where to find official forms and rules. It summarizes city and state roles so residents, businesses, and attorneys can act promptly and follow required deadlines.

Overview of the Review Process

The city typically considers franchise matters through ordinances or council action; consult the Dallas Code of Ordinances for franchise provisions and the procedural rules used by the City Secretary and City Council when processing petitions and ordinances.[1]

  • Prepare a clear petition or request describing the relief sought and the legal basis.
  • Check municipal deadlines and agenda submission cutoffs with the City Secretary.
  • Expect consideration in a Council committee and at least one public hearing before final action.
File early to meet agenda deadlines and allow public notice periods.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for violations of franchise terms or ordinances is administered under the City of Dallas ordinances and enforced by the designated city department or code compliance office; specific penalty amounts and schedules for franchise violations are not specified on the cited municipal code landing page and must be confirmed in the controlling ordinance or contract for each franchise.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the specific franchise ordinance or contract for fines and fee restitution terms.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment is determined by ordinance language or the franchise agreement; not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, injunctions, withholding of permits, or court action may be available under city ordinances or a franchise contract.
  • Enforcer: the City Manager, Department designated in the franchise, or Code Compliance/Legal departments typically act to investigate and enforce; file complaints or inspection requests through official city channels.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the specific ordinance or contract; the municipal code landing page does not list uniform appeal periods and recommends consulting the City Secretary or the specific ordinance text.[1]

Applications & Forms

There is no single universal online form for a franchise rate review published on the City Secretary landing pages; petitioners should prepare a written petition or draft ordinance and submit according to agenda and submission rules with the City Secretary.[2]

Contact the City Secretary to confirm required attachments, number of copies, email submissions, and filing fees.

Action Steps — How to Apply

  • Confirm jurisdiction: determine whether the subject is a city franchise matter or regulated by the Texas Public Utility Commission; state agencies may control utility rates while the city controls franchise use of rights-of-way.[3]
  • Draft a petition: describe the requested rate or fee review, legal basis, proposed remedy, and supporting evidence.
  • Submit to City Secretary: follow agenda submission procedures, include required copies and contact information, and request placement on the appropriate council committee.
  • Attend hearings: prepare to present at committee and full council hearings and provide public notice or participant lists as required.
  • If ordinance or amendment is adopted, monitor compliance and payment or pursue enforcement actions if applicable.

FAQ

Who can request a franchise rate review?
Any interested party, including a utility, resident, business, or the City Council, may request review; specific petitioner eligibility rules are set by council procedures and the relevant ordinance or franchise contract.[2]
How long does a municipal review typically take?
Timing varies by docket, required notices, and hearings; the City Secretary’s agenda schedule determines submission cutoffs and meeting dates, so timelines are case-specific.[2]
If the matter involves utility rates, should I also check state rules?
Yes. State agencies such as the Public Utility Commission of Texas have primary authority over certain utility rates and tariffs; confirm state jurisdiction for rate changes.[3]

How-To

  1. Gather documents: franchise agreement, prior ordinances, rate schedules, and evidence supporting the requested review.
  2. Prepare a written petition or proposed ordinance and a short staff memo explaining the requested action.
  3. Contact the City Secretary to confirm submission format, fees, and meeting dates, then file the petition.
  4. Present at council committee and public hearing; provide required notices and respond to staff or public questions.
  5. If approved, follow the adopted ordinance’s implementation steps and monitor compliance or enforcement items.

Key Takeaways

  • Start early: agenda deadlines matter.
  • City and state roles differ—check both municipal ordinances and state regulators.
  • Coordinate with the City Secretary for filing and procedural requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Dallas - Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  2. [2] City of Dallas - City Secretary
  3. [3] Public Utility Commission of Texas

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data