Residents Express Concerns Over Encore Power Surges and Rate Increases

The Grand Prairie City Council meeting on August 19, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding ongoing power issues and a proposed rate increase by Encore Electric. Residents expressed concerns about frequent power surges and outages, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.

One resident detailed personal experiences with power disruptions, highlighting a series of outages that coincided with his recent surgery. He emphasized the impact on his wife, who has health issues, and raised alarms about the broader community's struggles during these outages. The resident called for a mass response to address the situation, noting that over 5,000 people were affected during one incident.

The discussion also touched on the need for greater accountability from Encore. Residents criticized the utility company for its lack of transparency and engagement with the community, particularly in light of the recent rate increase. They urged the council to demand that Encore representatives attend meetings to address these issues directly.

The council members acknowledged the residents' frustrations and the importance of holding Encore accountable. They discussed the necessity of reporting power surges and outages to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to ensure proper documentation and response.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the community's urgent need for reliable electricity and effective communication from utility providers. The council's commitment to addressing these concerns will be crucial as residents navigate ongoing power challenges.