The El Paso City Council has unanimously decided to step into the fray of El Paso Electric (EPE)'s latest attempt at a rate hike, marking the city's second intervention of the year. As indicated in a report by KFOX-TV, the council is questioning EPE's proposal to amend its Generation Cost Recovery Rider to account for expenditure on the Texas Solar One generation facility.
With the completion and operation of this new 150 MW solar generation project on EPE's horizon, near Fabens, Texas, the utility is seeking to recover some $120.4 million in invested funds. According to a statement from a city spokesperson detailed by KVIA, the solar facility is expected to be operational by late August 2025. Approving this rate case by the Public Utility Commission of Texas would impose an additional $13.4 million in annual costs on Texas retail ratepayers, resulting in an average monthly bill increase of $2.11 for residential customers.
Previously, in February, the city took a stand against EPE's proposed rate increase of $93 million. The persistence of the council in these matters reflects wider community apprehensions that are palpable. Acknowledging these concerns, the City Council has urged EPE to organize a series of six community meetings to address public questions and clarify the potential impacts the general rate case may have. Reported by KTSM, these meetings spanned across April, with the final congregation held on April 24.
