EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso said it’s closely monitoring the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), which is expected to issue its final decision in the El Paso Electric (EPE) rate case this week.

City says electric customers will get ‘near-term’ savings under latest PUC ruling

As KTSM previously reported, in January 2025, EPE filed its rate case requesting a $93 million rate increase to its annual revenue requirement for Texas ratepayers. If approved, the City has estimated the typical residential bill would rise about $22.39 per month, about a 23 percent increase.

Over the past year, the City said it has actively participated in the regulatory process to advocate for “a fair, evidence-based outcome that protects residents and businesses.”

“Our priority throughout this case has been to ensure that any rate changes are fair, justified, and supported by the facts,” City Attorney Karla Nieman said. “We remain focused on protecting El Paso customers and will carefully review the Commission’s final decision once it is issued.”

The City’s involvement has included legal analysis, expert testimony, and participation in a contested hearing before Administrative Law Judges.

In December, the judges issued a Proposal for Decision recommending several amendments that would scale back key parts of EPE’s request, including the following, according to the City:

Lower profit allowance: 9.4 percent return on equity instead of 10.7 percent.

No rooftop solar minimum bill changes: keep the current minimum bill in place pending further review.

Cost sharing of Newman 6 power plant: EPE requested Texas ratepayers pay the full $217 million costs; the recommendation is that New Mexico ratepayers share some of the costs.

The PUCT will now consider the Proposal for Decision and issue its final order, according to the City.

“Mayor Renard Johnson and City Council have remained engaged throughout the process, receiving regular briefings and discussing strategy as allowed under the Texas Open Meetings Act,” read the news release.

The City will provide additional information after the Commission announces its final decision.

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