Start with the plain guide. Open the deeper layers when you want the ecosystem around it.
IntensityParticipateJoin a meeting, use a service, take part.
StewardCommunity steward
1Orgs
7Policies
16Links
First readWhat to know+
Topic: State rules for electric, gas, water, and phone companies in TexasCovers: 6 topics: general rules, electric, telephone, gas, delivery, and wind powerWho made it: Texas state governmentCost: Free to read onlineSource: Texas official statutes website
The Texas Utilities Code is the official state law that tells electric, gas, water, and other public utilities how they must operate here in Texas. You can read every word of it for free on the state's official website — no account or payment needed.
The Texas Utilities Code was first enacted in 1997 to pull scattered utility rules into one clear, searchable place. It is organized into six titles: Title 1 covers general provisions; Title 2 is the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), which governs electric and telephone utilities; Title 3 covers gas regulation; Title 4 addresses how utility services are delivered; Title 5 covers the operation of utility facilities; and Title 6 deals with wind power and private power agreements. The code uses plain modern English and a consistent numbering system so it is easier to read than older statutes.
Start by identifying which title applies to your question — electric or phone issues fall under Title 2, gas concerns under Title 3, and general service delivery questions under Title 4. Use the search tool on the state statutes website to look up keywords like 'disconnection,' 'deposit,' or 'medical assistance.' If you find a section that seems to apply to your situation, write down the exact code number (for example, 'Utilities Code Section 17.004') before contacting your utility company or a legal aid service. That number helps you speak with confidence and gives any advocate you work with a clear starting point.
No fixed date
Not location-specific
If you have a dispute with an electric or telephone company in Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) enforces the rules in Title 2. For gas concerns, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the main regulator. Houston-area residents can also reach out to local legal aid organizations for free help reading and applying these statutes.
Knowing where this law lives gives you real power as a utility customer. Whether your electric bill looks wrong, your gas service was cut off unexpectedly, or you just want to understand your rights, the Utilities Code is the rulebook that applies to every provider serving Texans — including everyone in Houston.
