The Railroad Commission of Texas has approved a proposed rate increase from the Texas Gas Service.
The Railroad Commission voted Thursday, Feb. 5, to approve the rate increase. Under the plan, small residential customers will see a 10% increase, costing an additional $3.64 a month, and large residential customers will see a 19% increase, costing an additional $11.30 per month, depending on usage.
“This decision is not the outcome the City Council sought for El Paso customers,” said City Attorney Karla Nieman in a news release Thursday. “We are reviewing the Railroad Commission’s action taken today and will brief City Council on what it means for our community and what options are available moving forward.”
The city opposed the rate hike from the outset, and the El Paso City Council voted in November to deny the request, citing concerns about the size of the increase and its impact on residents. That opposition put the ball in the Railroad Commission’s hands, where city officials consistently voiced opposition to the plan and requested a decrease in the proposed rate hike.
With the Railroad Commission’s vote, the gas rate increase is official. The city attorney’s office is reviewing the decision and the timeline for when the new rates might take effect.
The Texas Gas Service rate increase is only one in the trifecta of rate increases hitting El Pasoans. In January, the Public Service Board approved a 12.2% rate increase for El Paso Water, which will cost the average customer an additional $9.99 per month. Meanwhile, El Paso Electric continues to pursue a $93 million rate hike, which is expected to raise the average customer’s monthly bill by about $22.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas Gas Service rate hike approved, adding to El Pasoans’ rising utility costs
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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