TARA
The Office of Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs (TARA) provides consumer protection, access to information and communications technology resources and infrastructure, and generates revenue to support City services. TARA’s activities include:
- Ensuring electric and gas utility rate increases are reasonable,
- Resolving consumer utility complaints,
- Monitoring credit access businesses to reduce abusive predatory lending practices,
- Providing claims and collections services for City departments,
- Promoting digital inclusion through access to information & communications technology and trainings, and
- Administering utility franchise agreements and telecommunications licenses while obtaining fair compensation for public rights-of-way.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Information
Non‐COA Utilities COVID‐19 Relief Measures (Ordinance No. 20200409‐083):
This memo provides an update regarding measures non‐City of Austin utilities are taking for customers who are suffering financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.