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El Paso City Council unanimously votes to intervene, postpone proposed electric rate increase

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Update (February 3, 2025): El Paso City Council unanimously voted to intervene and postpone El Paso Electric's proposed rate increase for 90 days.

A city spokesperson says that the pause will allow the city to "actively advocated for fair and reasonable rates during a thorough review process."

"The requested $93 million rate increase consists of two components: the $85.7 million increase for general rates and an additional $7.3 million for a retiring plant rider, which EPE requested separately in the rate case," the spokesperson explained. "However, the combined impact of both figures represents the true total increase facing ratepayers. The retiring plant rider is designed to allow the utility to recover costs associated with older power plants that are no longer in use or are being decommissioned."

The city says that its intervention aims to ensure the final approved rate will be equitable for residents.

“The City is taking immediate steps to protect ratepayers and prevent unnecessary costs by carefully examining this case and ensuring that any approved increase is fair and justified,” said City Attorney Karla Nieman. “Our proactive approach, combined with expert input, aims to minimize the financial impact on residents while securing the best outcomes for all El Pasoans.”


EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson is expressing his concern over the proposed El Paso Electric rate hike. The change would increase the bill for the average El Paso home $23.

Johnson released the following statement:

“I was informed of El Paso Electric’s proposed rate increase and the potential negative impact it will have on our residents. The City Attorney’s Office will brief the City Council during Executive Session at the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday, February 3, to determine next steps. I am deeply concerned about this proposed increase, as it could place a substantial burden on all El Pasoans. The preliminary estimates are significant. I will take every necessary step to ensure that our residents’ interests are protected throughout this process.”

Mayor Renard Johnson

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