Farmers Branch council pauses Encore electric rate increase; suspension approved unanimously

The Farmers Branch City Council voted unanimously July 15 to suspend the July 31 effective date for Encore Electric Delivery Company's proposed distribution cost recovery factor increase, buying the city and a multi-city coalition additional time to review the utility's request. The suspension, carried by resolution 2025-119, delays a company-proposed system transmission and distribution revenue increase Encore said would raise rates citywide by roughly 13 percent — about a $7.90 monthly increase for the average residential customer — and would raise street-lighting costs by about 51 percent, according to city staff. The resolution directs staff to work with the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Encore to evaluate the filing, explore negotiation or settlement strategies, and preserve the city’s right to challenge the request at the Public Utility Commission if necessary. John Roach, Public Works, told council the 90-day pause is the maximum suspension allowed by law and gives attorneys and consultants time to prepare a common response. Why it matters: the filing, if approved as requested, would raise monthly power costs for Farmers Branch ratepayers and substantially increase municipal street-lighting charges. The suspension does not approve higher bills; it preserves the municipalities’ opportunity to examine, negotiate, or contest Encore’s request. Council and public reaction: a resident, Rinkesh Desai, spoke during public comment urging council to scrutinize the Encore proposal and to collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions before approving any increase. Roach said the city is a member of a 170-city coalition and that the committee has historically reduced original utility requests through negotiation, but outcomes vary and final authority may rest with the Public Utility Commission. Outcome: council approved Resolution 2025-119 to suspend the proposed rate change for the legal 90-day review period. The suspension opens time for joint legal and technical review and possible settlement discussions. No final decision on rates was made; further action will follow the steering committee’s recommendations.