EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso City Council voted on Monday to deny Texas Gas Service’s proposed 27 percent rate increase following a public hearing that allowed residents to hear directly from the company and City staff.
City officials said the decision follows months of review, analysis by the City’s financial and legal experts, and extensive community engagement, including eight public meetings across all districts earlier this month.
City Council has been clear from the start: any increase must be justified, data-driven, and equitable,” said City Attorney Karla Nieman. “This Council is standing up for working families by rejecting a proposal that would have unfairly shifted costs from other regions of Texas onto our community. We remain committed to advocating before the Railroad Commission to ensure that El Paso residents are treated fairly.
The case now proceeds to the Railroad Commission of Texas, which will make the final determination in early 2026.
Residents made their voices heard throughout this process, and I want to thank every El Pasoan who spoke up,” said Mayor Renard U. Johnson. “Today’s decision reflects that input and reinforces our duty to protect fairness, transparency, and accountability for every household and business in our city. We will not allow El Paso families to be overcharged to subsidize other regions. We will continue to stand up, push back when necessary, and defend what is right for El Paso.
El Paso’s delegation to the Texas House of Representatives has urged the City of El Paso to reject Texas Gas Service’s proposal to increase rates for local customers.
In a letter sent ahead of the city’s hearing on the matter, Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody and Representatives Dr. Mary E. González, Eddie Morales Jr., Claudia Ordaz, and Vincent M. Perez emphasized the financial strain such an increase would impose on residents.
“We’re writing to say very clearly that our people can’t afford an increase,” they stated.
Read the full letter below:
El Paso residents could soon be paying more for utilities as several companies move forward with rate changes that combined, could add up to about $40 more a month — though the final amount will depend on pending decisions.
According to Texas Gas Service, the utility is proposing a 27% rate increase for El Paso customers. A change that would raise the average residential bill by about $10 to $14 per month. The company says the increase is needed to cover service costs and maintain reliable service.
RELATED: El Paso residents react as utility rate hikes add up
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