Government
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
Gas utility costs could increase at least $6 In the coming months, some Austin-area residents could see their monthly utility bills for natural gas services increase by more than $6. What happened? On June 3, Texas Gas Service released a state- ment of intent about the rate increases to munici- palities within the Austin area. According to the statement, the changes were effective July 8. However, some cities, such as West Lake Hills, Bee Cave and Pflugerville, have passed resolutions to suspend the changes for an additional 90 days to review the terms. If a city does not take action within that period, the rate increases will be implemented, according to city documents. Depending on the size of the property, custom- ers of TGS can expect to pay an average of $6.26 to $9.53 more on their monthly bills.
Google Fiber coming soon to Lakeway Within the next two years, the Lakeway community will have access to Google Fiber’s high-speed and high-bandwidth internet services. The details During a June 17 meeting, Lakeway City Council unanimously approved a license agreement allowing Google Fiber to begin installing its fiber-optic infrastructure in the city’s public rights of way. The company plans to begin construc- tion and roll out its network services to customers in late 2025, according to a staff report. Google Fiber will pay 1% of its gross revenues back to the city in exchange for the license, the staff report states. Cables are installed into shallow trenches dug along- side the curb of public rights of way.
Cost changes Updated rates depend on dwelling size.
Average monthly bill without new rates
Average monthly bill with new rates
Small residential dwelling customers
$41.76
14.99%
$48.02
Large residential dwelling customers
$67.28
14.16%
$76.81
SOURCE: TEXAS NATURAL GAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The proposed rate increases are intended to recoup over $25.7 million in revenue lost from both COVID-19 and Winter Storm Uri maintenance costs, according to the statement. The service cites inflation, supply chain issues, labor shortages and ongoing infrastructure improvements as other reasons for the increases.
Bee Cave area returns to twice-per-week watering
Watering schedules
Addresses ending in 0-3: Addresses ending in 4-6: Addresses ending in 7-9:
Monday & Thursday
Home and business owners who do not follow the restrictions could receive a fine, according to the WTCPUA. Additionally, if more than 85% of WTCPUA’s plant capacity is used for three days consecutively, the agency will move back to once-per-week watering. If persistent drought causes the combined lake capacity to drop below 45%, the LCRA will mandate once-per-week watering once again.
As lake levels rise due to recent rains, Bee Cave, Lake Pointe and portions of northern Hays County moved back to Stage 1 water restrictions in June, which limit outdoor watering to twice per week. Established by the West Travis County Public Utilities Agency to evenly spread use throughout the week, residents and businesses may only water between 7 p.m.-10 a.m. on assigned days.
Tuesday & Friday
Wednesday & Saturday
Commercial customers:
Tuesday & Friday
SOURCE: WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITIES AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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