City Council Approves El Paso Electric Rate Hike
El Paso City Council and El Paso Electric agreed to a compromise Tuesday on the electric company’s proposed rate hike that would raise customers’ bills.
El Paso Electric initially wanted a rate hike increase of $51 million but it came to an agreement with the city on a $17 million rate hike increase. Beginning July 1, the average customer with a monthly bill of $61 will have their bill increase to $64. The customer service charge that was $4 will increase to $4.50.
El Paso Electric says it needs the increase to invest in power plants, including one in Northeast El Paso. City Council also approved an agreement between the city and the electric company to join in a public-private agreement to invest in solar energy in the El Paso Community.