El Paso utility bills surge as low-income energy aid program limits assistance<\/a><\/p>\nAccording to EP Water, at the other end, the combined budget would be 25% higher than the current year\u2019s budget. That option would speed up capital projects, including replacement of major pipelines and flood-control improvements, but it would also mean higher customer rates.<\/p>\n
We are reviewing several budget scenarios and their impact on customers,\u201d Public Service Board Chair Anna Gitter said in a statement. \u201cOur goal is to keep services affordable while making necessary investments in critical infrastructure. Community feedback will help us adopt a responsible budget that balances these needs.<\/p>\n
EPWater staff presented four scenarios:<\/p>\n
Accelerated Reliability: The largest capital investment, including quicker replacement of large pipelines to help lower the risk of breaks and outages.Strategic: Focuses on the highest-priority capital projects while balancing reliability, affordability and financial risk.Lean: Reduces capital and operating spending, delays 21 projects and eliminates about 140 positions.High Risk: Makes the lowest capital investment, significantly delays or cancels projects at four treatment plants \u2014 including the Pure Water Center \u2014 and two other locations, while eliminating 300 positions.<\/p>\n
Gilbert Trejo, EPWater\u2019s vice president of operations and technical services, said putting off projects may initially reduce pressure on rates but could increase costs and risks later.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelayed or canceled projects can reduce impact on rates, but they will have to be done at some point,\u201d Trejo said. \u201cThe more we push them back, the more they will cost and more risks we will face. We will become a more reactional utility rather than a proactive one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Staff also proposed a new senior discount for customers age 70 and older. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the Public Service Board\u2019s Nov. 4 budget workshop.<\/p>\n
EPWater will hold meetings in all eight City Council districts, plus a communitywide meeting at the TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center. Customers can learn about the budget scenarios and possible rate impacts, ask questions, and provide feedback.<\/p>\n
Dates below: <\/p>\n
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Memorial Senior Center, 1800 Byron St. Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Upper Eastside Command Center, 14301 Pebble Hills Blvd. Thursday, Oct. 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Valle Bajo Recreation Center, 7380 Alameda Ave. Thursday, Oct. 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Northeast Command Center, 9600 Dyer St. Friday, Oct. 16 | 10-11:30 a.m. | TecH2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave. Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Armijo Recreation Center, 700 E. Seventh Ave. Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Mission Valley Command Center, 9011 Escobar Drive Thursday, Oct. 22 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista Del Sol Drive Thursday, Oct. 22 | 5:30-7 p.m. | West Side Command Center, 4801 Osborne Drive <\/p>\n
The Public Service Board is scheduled to vote on the FY 2027-28 budget, rates and fees on Jan. 13. If approved, they would take effect on March 1.<\/p>\n
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