State of Texas to Intervene in Liberty Utility Case

TYLER — Representative Matt Schaefer announced on Thursday that the Office of Public Utility Counsel will intervene in the Liberty Utility rate increase case. This means the state will be representing the company’s Smith County customers in various hearings. The Public Utility Commission will be conducting a hearing. Then the case should go to an Austin Court for a hearing. According to Schaefer, “The rate increase for Liberty Utility customers concerns me greatly and I have urged officials in Austin to do everything within the law to oppose unreasonable prices.” Schaefer said, he he first saw the rate increase proposal it made his eyes pop out. He says he feels the increase is excessive. Under the proposed increase, some Tyler customers will see their rates go from $27.75 a month, to just over $96 by next March. Smith County home owners could see an increase ranging from 44% to 75%.