Houston Utility Franchise Rate Hearings

Utilities and Infrastructure Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Houston, Texas, franchise rate hearings determine how electric and gas utilities may recover costs from customers under city-granted franchises. This guide explains who runs hearings, typical procedures, filing and notice requirements, how to participate or file objections, and where to find official ordinances and forms in Houston. It is tailored to residents, business owners, and community groups who want clear steps for monitoring or contesting proposed franchise rate changes.

Scope and Legal Basis

Franchise rate matters arise from franchise agreements and ordinances adopted by the City of Houston and from the city code provisions that implement those agreements. Relevant city ordinances and the Code of Ordinances set procedural rules and record the council actions that authorize franchise terms and rates [1]. For specific franchise ordinances and council resolutions, consult the municipal code and the city secretary's ordinance records [2].

Typical Hearing Process

  • Notice and scheduling: city publishes hearing notices and timelines.
  • Filing requirements: parties file testimony, exhibits, and motions per the hearing notice.
  • Public participation: members of the public may register to speak or submit written comments as directed in the notice.
  • Hearing record: proceedings are recorded and may form the basis for council or administrative action.
Attend the hearing in person or submit written comments by the deadline stated in the notice.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for violations of franchise terms or city ordinance requirements is addressed by the controlling ordinance or by the city department charged with compliance. Specific monetary fines or per-day penalties for franchise noncompliance are not always stated on consolidated ordinance pages; see the cited official ordinance or resolution for any stated amounts [1].

  • Fines: amounts and daily rates — not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment — not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, injunctive or court actions, or contractual remedies may be used.
  • Enforcer: department or office responsible for enforcement — see the cited ordinance or city offices for assignment and contact details [2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the ordinance or hearing rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If a penalty or deadline is critical, obtain the specific ordinance text or council resolution before acting.

Applications & Forms

Forms and application procedures for participation in franchise hearings, submission of exhibits, or filing official objections are distributed with the hearing notice or by the city office managing the franchise; consolidated form names or numbers are not specified on the cited municipal code page [1]. Contact the office listed in the hearing notice or the city secretary for exact form names and filing methods [2].

How To Participate or Object

  1. Find the published hearing notice and deadline in the municipal code or city secretary records.
  2. Prepare written testimony and exhibits following the notice instructions; identify witnesses and summaries.
  3. Register to speak if the hearing allows oral public comment or submit written statements by the stated deadline.
  4. If the hearing results in an adverse ruling, follow the ordinance for appeal steps and deadlines or seek guidance from the city office identified in the record.
Submit evidence early and follow formatting rules in the hearing notice to ensure it is accepted into the record.

FAQ

Who decides franchise rates for utilities operating under a city franchise?
The City Council or its delegated hearing officer decides franchise issues subject to the franchise agreement and ordinance; check the specific ordinance or hearing notice for the decisionmaker.
Can members of the public present evidence?
Yes; public participation procedures are set in the hearing notice and may allow oral or written evidence as specified.
Where do I find the official franchise ordinance?
Official franchise ordinances are available in the City of Houston code and the city secretary's ordinance records linked below [1][2].

How-To

  1. Locate the municipal code entry or council ordinance for the franchise in the City of Houston code search.
  2. Read the hearing notice and calendar dates published with the ordinance or in council records.
  3. Submit a written statement or register to speak according to the notice instructions.
  4. Attend the hearing, present evidence, and follow post-hearing instructions for appeals or compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Franchise hearings use published notices and the city code as the base record.
  • Specific fines, forms, and appeal time limits must be verified in the authoritative ordinance or hearing notice.
  • Contact the city secretary or the named city office in the hearing notice for exact filing procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Houston - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City Secretary - Ordinances and Records

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