Ingleside council votes to suspend CenterPoint gas rate change for 45 days

Ingleside — The Ingleside City Council on March 20 approved a resolution to suspend the April 19, 2025 effective date of a rate proposal filed by CenterPoint Energy, delaying implementation for 45 days.

City staff told the council the suspension does not block the filing permanently but buys time for the city and the coalition of cities that represent it to continue review and negotiation. "This will only postpone for 45 days," Sam, a city staff member, said during the discussion.

The resolution directs staff and legal counsel to notify CenterPoint Energy of the suspension and continues the city’s participation with the coalition’s rate consultant. Council members discussed the statewide scope of the filing and said the suspension is a routine step allowed under state law to ensure local concerns are addressed before a rate goes into effect.

A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; the roll call recorded affirmative votes. The council recorded ayes from the members listed during roll call, and the mayor cast an aye; the motion carried.

The suspension preserves the city's ability to continue review and coordination with regional counsel and with the coalition of municipal rate clients. City staff said the 45-day delay is the statutory maximum suspension available for this type of interim gas rate adjustment.

The council did not adopt changes to utility policy during the meeting; the action was limited to the short suspension and notification steps. Legal counsel and the council’s rate consultant will handle follow-up work and report back as negotiations proceed.