EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso City Council voted Monday to deny Texas Gas Service’s proposed interim rate increase and has moved to temporarily block any new rates for an additional 45 days to allow for further review.

The vote involves a new and separate filing under the Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program, or GRIP, and is distinct from the broader Texas Gas Service rate case that is already under appeal by the city.

Texas Gas Service had sought an additional $3.58 per month under the state program called GRIP, which allows companies to fast-track rate hikes to pay for infrastructure without a full review by the city.

By denying the proposed interim rate increase and suspending the rates for 45 days, the city said it is preserving additional time to evaluate the filing and its potential impact on customers.

“We have remained focused on protecting El Paso ratepayers,” Mayor Renard Johnson said. “We have opposed these increases, taken formal action, and will continue to use every avenue available to advocate for our community. At the same time, it is important for the public to understand that final decisions in many utility matters are made outside the City’s control. Even when we do not have the final say, we will keep pushing for fairness and transparency on behalf of our residents.”

Meanwhile, this comes as the city continues a separate legal challenge to the larger Texas Gas Service rate case.

In that matter, the Railroad Commission of Texas declined the city’s motion for rehearing, and the city is proceeding with its previously authorized appeal, asking the courts to review the commission’s decision.

This city has previously opposed Texas Gas Service’s efforts to increase rates and consolidate customers into uniform statewide pricing, citing concerns about long-term cost shifting and impacts to El Paso ratepayers.

Texas Gas Service initially filed its rate request last June. On July 21, 2025, the City Council voted to suspend the proposed rate increase for 90 days to allow for review and analysis.

On Oct. 27, 2025, the council directed staff to schedule a public hearing and authorized settlement negotiations. Following a public hearing, the council voted Nov. 17, 2025, to deny the proposed rate increase under the city’s original jurisdiction.

The Railroad Commission of Texas issued its final order in the case last month. The city’s motion for rehearing followed a council vote last month authorizing the city attorney to file a motion for rehearing with the Railroad Commission of Texas.

According to the rate hike, average homes may see their bills rise by about 10%, increasing by about $3 to $4 per month, while larger homes could see their monthly bills rise by 19%, or about $11.

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