Electric & Gas Franchise Rate Approval - Fort Worth

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

In Fort Worth, Texas, customers affected by electric and gas franchise rates should understand both the city franchise authority and state regulatory roles. This guide explains which municipal rules apply, how rate changes are reviewed, what customers can file, and the basic appeal paths under Fort Worth procedures and Texas utility oversight.

Overview of Franchise Rates and Jurisdiction

Franchise agreements grant utilities the right to use public rights-of-way and may include franchise fees or terms that affect local charges. Rate-setting for investor-owned electric and gas utilities is governed primarily at the state level, while the city controls franchise permissions and local franchise fees. For the controlling municipal text and ordinance language, consult the Fort Worth municipal code.[1]

Keep copies of service notices and any city or utility correspondence.

Who Reviews and Approves Rates

State regulators handle most formal utility rate approvals; customers can file complaints or intervenor comments with the state utility regulator. For consumer procedures and how to lodge a state-level complaint, see the Texas Public Utility Commission consumer resources.[2]

How Customers Can Participate

  • Attend public hearings or city council meetings where franchise ordinances are considered.
  • Submit written comments to the City Secretary when a franchise ordinance or renewal is on public notice.
  • File comments or complaints with the state utility commission during formal rate cases.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of municipal franchise obligations (for example, compliance with franchise terms or payment of franchise fees) is managed by the City of Fort Worth through its code compliance and legal offices. Specific monetary penalties tied to franchise violations or fee nonpayment are not consistently listed on the municipal franchise pages; where amounts or daily fines are not published, they are stated as not specified on the cited page.[1]

State regulators oversee rate law compliance and may impose remedies in formal proceedings; details of fines or sanctions from state proceedings depend on the regulator's orders and are case-specific. For enforcement guidance and to report local ordinance noncompliance, contact Fort Worth Code Compliance or the designated city office.[3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited municipal franchise page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, injunctions, contract remedies, or court actions may be applied.
  • Enforcer: City of Fort Worth Code Compliance, City Attorney, and affected state regulator.
  • Appeal routes: local administrative reviews and court appeals for municipal actions; state-rate case orders are appealed through the state process—specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, franchise variances, or negotiated agreements may provide defenses where expressly authorized in ordinance or contract.

Applications & Forms

The municipal code and city information pages list franchise ordinance procedures; specific application forms for franchise negotiations or fee adjustments are not always published as a single form on the cited municipal pages. For formal complaints or code enforcement submissions use the Code Compliance contact procedures or state consumer complaint forms where applicable.[3]

File administrative complaints promptly to preserve appeal rights.

FAQ

Who decides utility rate increases that affect my bill?
The state regulator typically decides formal rate increases for investor-owned utilities; the city controls franchise terms and local franchise fees.
Can Fort Worth stop a rate increase proposed by a utility?
The city can negotiate franchise terms and franchise fees, but formal rate approvals are set by state regulators through rate cases.
How do I report a suspected franchise violation?
Report suspected local ordinance or franchise compliance issues to Fort Worth Code Compliance; for rate or service complaints, use the state utility consumer complaint process.

How-To

  1. Gather your bill, notices, and any communications from the utility.
  2. Check the municipal code language on franchise terms to identify city-level obligations.[1]
  3. Attend relevant council or public hearings and submit written comments to the City Secretary.
  4. File a consumer complaint with the state utility regulator if the issue concerns rates or service reliability.[2]
  5. If you believe a municipal ordinance was violated, contact Fort Worth Code Compliance to report and request investigation.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth controls franchise agreements; state regulators control most rate approvals.
  • Use both city and state complaint channels to protect your rights.

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