DeBerry Water Supply Corporation Tariff Revisions and Fees Update

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has approved the latest tariff revisions and fee updates for DeBerry Water Supply Corporation. The revisions, which came into effect on May 16, 2025, include changes to the Corporation's policies on rates, service fees, and penalties. The updated tariff outlines various fees and charges, including the Equity Buy-In Fee, Information Copy Fee, Installation Fee, Late Payment Fee, and Service Trip Fee, among others.

Key Takeaways:

• The Equity Buy-In Fee is calculated annually after receipt of the system audit, using the formula: Total Contributions and Assets of the Corporation minus (-) Accumulated Depreciation minus (-) Outstanding Corporation Debt Principle minus (-) Developer Contributions minus (-) Grants received divided by Total Number of Members / Customers equals Average Net Equity Buy-In Fee.
• The Membership Fee for water service is $200.00 for each service unit, with oversize or Master Metered Accounts based on multiples of meter size equivalence.
• A penalty of six (6) times the then-applicable base rate shall be assessed for any violation of Section G, including damage to the Corporation's facilities or equipment due to excavation, digging, or other activities.
• The Late Payment Penalty is a flat rate of $10.00 per billing period for delinquent bills.
• A Service Trip Fee of $20.00 shall be charged for any service call or trip to the Member's tap, with additional charges of $40.00 per employee per hour for extended service trips.
• A Theft of Water Fee for Unauthorized Commercial Use of $4,000 will be assessed for the unlawful theft of water from DWSC flush valves or any other lines in the DWSC system.

Statistics:

• The Equity Buy-In Fee shall be set aside for future capacity improvements such as line upgrades, new tanks, treatment, or production.
• Meter Tampering and Damage to Property Penalty: $150.00 penalty shall be assessed for "Tampering" as defined in Section E. 22, with a maximum penalty of six (6) times the Base Rate.
• Late Payment Penalty: $10.00 per billing period for delinquent bills.
• Service Trip Fee: $20.00 for any service call or trip to the Member's tap, with additional charges of $40.00 per employee per hour for extended service trips.
• Theft of Water Fee for Unauthorized Commercial Use: $4,000 for the unlawful theft of water from DWSC flush valves or any other lines in the DWSC system.

Sources:

• DeBerry Water Supply Corporation May 16, 2025 Public Utility Commission of Texas Central Records, Item Number - 4, Control Number - 56773.