IN GENERAL

Houston Code of Ordinances ch. 37, art. I

in effect

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-1 Definitions.

Sec. 37-1. - Definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the same meanings as provided in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Commission means the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Director means the director of administration and regulatory affairs or the director's designee. Electric utility shall have the meaning prescribed in Section 31.002(6) of the Texas Utilities Code, as amended. Gas services means the department of the Oversight and Safety Division of the Railroad Commission responsible for the regulation of the natural gas utility industry in Texas. Gas utility shall have the meaning prescribed in Section 101.003(7)(A)—(F) of the Texas Utilities Code, as amended. Gas Utility Regulatory Act means the Gas Utility Regulatory Act, being Subtitle A of Title 3 of the Texas Utilities Code, as amended. Public utility means an electric utility, gas utility, or water and sewer utility as defined by this section. Public Utility Regulatory Act means the Public Utilities Regulatory Act, being Title 2 of the Texas Utilities Code, as amended. Railroad Commission means the Railroad Commission of Texas. Regulatory authority means the city council of the city. System improvement charge mean a charge for recovery of the portion of the cost of a public utility's eligible plant that is not already included in the utility's rates. Telecommunications utility shall have the meaning prescribed in Section 51.002(11)(A)—(G) of the Texas Utilities Code, as amended. Water Code means the Texas Water Code. Water and sewer utility shall have the meaning prescribed in Section 13.002(23) of the Texas Water Code, as amended. The definitions of the words and terms set forth in the Texas Utilities Code and the Texas Water Code are hereby adopted and shall apply herein with the same force and effect as if set forth in this chapter. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-2 Scope.

Sec. 37-2. - Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any municipally-owned public utility of the city. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-3 Public utility improvements on city property.

Sec. 37-3. - Public utility improvements on city property. (a) It shall be unlawful for any public utility, its officers, agents, or employees to implement, construct, or install any improvements, changes, modifications, or new service along, upon, under, or through the streets or public property of the city without first notifying and receiving consent from the city. (b) Any public utility company must, within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of written request by the director, relocate any of its facilities located within any street, public right-of-way, or city property at no expense to the city where reasonable and necessary to accommodate street widening, water and/or sewer service installation, or other improvement projects and maintenance work of the city, its agents, and contractors. (c) A public utility shall relocate any facility for the accomplishment of a public works project as prescribed in Article XVIII of Chapter 40 of this Code of Ordinances. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-4 Street lighting.

Sec. 37-4. - Street lighting. Any person having a franchise to furnish and distribute electrical energy for domestic and commercial uses within the city shall, when ordered by the city council so to do, furnish, install, operate, and maintain, at its own cost, street lights of a candle power and general character, at designated locations, and charge the city therefor at schedules as agreed upon. Bills for the same shall be payable monthly in equal installments. Such street lights need not be installed, maintained, and operated until the city and the person supplying same have reached an agreement as to service terms for the provision thereof and the charges to be paid therefor by the city. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-5 Uniform accounts.

Sec. 37-5. - Uniform accounts. Every electric utility and water and sewer utility shall maintain uniform accounts as prescribed by the Commission. Every gas utility shall keep uniform accounts as prescribed by the Railroad Commission. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-6 Rate schedules.

Sec. 37-6. - Rate schedules. Each public utility furnishing service within the city shall electronically file with the director a copy of all established tariffs. Each public utility company furnishing service within the city shall also file a copy of all established tariffs with the city secretary's office. Each utility company shall maintain on file at its principal office in this city in printed form one copy of all established tariffs. A copy shall be made available for examination during regular business office hours of the public utility to any person. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-7 Communication with the city.

Sec. 37-7. - Communication with the city. The principal contact for communications regarding the regulated activities of public utility companies shall be the director. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-8 Compliance with law.

Sec. 37-8. - Compliance with law. To the extent of any conflict between any of the terms or provisions of this chapter and any state or federal law, rule, or regulation, which has precedence over this chapter as a matter of law, the provisions of such state or federal law, rule, or regulation shall prevail. (Ord. No. 2023-1079, § 3, 12-6-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 37-9 Reserved.

Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH37PUUTCATESE_ARTIINGEFetched: 10/26/2026