County hires firm to represent them in El Paso Electric Rate case

El Paso County Commissioners now have representation for their intervention against El Paso Electric’s proposed rate hike.

The County has hired Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza, a law firm based out of San Antonio. The lead lawyer on the case, however, is based out of Austin.

The County originally planned to intervene on its behalf, a process known as a “Rate 41.” Commissioners changed course two weeks ago.

Commissioners decided to withdraw from “Rate 41” and focus on the rate case involving all rate payers with a specific interest on solar customers.

The lead lawyer on the case, Scott Smyth, told commissioners he has over 12 years of experience in dealing with the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC).

“I was asked by a constituent recently why we couldn’t do it in house,” county judge Veronica Escobar said. “Going before the administrative law judge who handles PUC cases — it’s a very specialized field of work, and we don’t have that capacity internally.”

Smyth said a hearing for the rate case interveners is scheduled for the end of August. He said it could last up to two weeks.

“He’s got a lot of catching up to do,” Escobar said. “The good thing is they have experience in this kind of work in appearing in front of the PUC.”

Escobar said the County estimates representation by Smyth and his firm will cost $100,000.