Council votes to oppose Encore rate increases as city lawyers prepare denial filing

Grand Prairie officials told the City Council that Encore Energy (referred to in the meeting as Encore) has sought a multi‑hundred‑million dollar rate filing that would raise residential rates and street‑lighting charges.

Staff explained that Encore’s filing seeks approximately a 12.3% increase in residential rates and a roughly 51% increase in street light rates; one staff member summarized the company’s overall request as seeking about $834 million or about a 13% increase over present revenues. Counsel said the city is working to suspend the filing and to file a formal denial to prevent an automatic rate increase while the matter is before the Public Utility Commission in Austin.

Assistant City Attorney Chung Fung told the council that state law gives the PUC rulemaking and oversight authority and that cities have limited options, but Grand Prairie is participating with other municipalities and a city steering committee to challenge the filing. Council and staff noted a recent change at the state level that allows utilities to file rate cases more frequently (twice a year) than previously.

Residents in the meeting asked about the process and public hearings; staff said the city will notify residents about opportunities to comment and that the city’s current action is intended to block or delay the requested increases while formal proceedings occur in Austin.

Council recorded its position and directed staff to continue legal and administrative steps to oppose the Encore rate case. Staff said more detail will be provided to the public when available and that a public hearing may be scheduled if appropriate.