Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
County officials flag potential utility rate filings that could affect budgets
Loading...
Summary
Officials told the commissioners that Encore and Texas Gas have filed or plan to file rate cases with the Public Utilities Commission; commissioners said increases could be double-digit in some line items and may require budget adjustments or appeals.
Young County officials warned the commissioners that utility providers have filed or are preparing rate cases that could raise costs passed through to the county and to customers.
An update in the meeting noted Encore had a rate filing with the state Public Utilities Commission seeking increases, and early indications showed some line items with double-digit percentage increases. "It's hard to know exactly what downstream impact us or anybody who is serviced by Encore," a county official said, but the speaker added the biggest increases could be on street-lighting charges. The official said the county planned to discuss an appeal at the city council level and monitor the case for budget implications.
Nut graf: commissioners were advised to account for possible passthroughs in next year's budget, and one speaker said Texas Gas also appeared to be preparing a rate filing that could affect county utility costs.
The court did not take a formal vote on the utility filings during the meeting; commissioners instructed staff to monitor the cases and consider budget impacts. One speaker recommended officials continue tracking filings and be prepared to pursue appeals if necessary.
Ending: Commissioners noted the information for budgeting purposes and scheduled follow-up conversations with municipal partners and staff as needed.
