Sec. 54.054.  GRANT OR DENIAL OF CERTIFICATE.  (a)  The commission may approve an application and grant a certificate only if the commission finds that the certificate is necessary for the service, accommodation, convenience, or safety of the public.
(b)  The commission may:
(1)  grant the certificate as requested;
(2)  grant the certificate for the construction of a portion of the requested system, facility, or extension or the partial exercise of the requested right or privilege;  or
(3)  refuse to grant the certificate.
(c)  The commission shall grant each certificate on a nondiscriminatory basis after considering:
(1)  the adequacy of existing service;
(2)  the need for additional service;
(3)  the effect of granting the certificate on the recipient of the certificate and any public utility of the same kind serving the proximate area;  and
(4)  other factors, such as:
(A)  community values;
(B)  recreational and park areas;
(C)  historical and aesthetic values;
(D)  environmental integrity;  and
(E)  the probable improvement of service or lowering of cost to consumers in the area if the certificate is granted.
Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.