Socorro ISD to join other public entities in intervening in El Paso Electric rate case, subject to interlocal and counsel approval

The Socorro ISD Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to intervene in a pending Public Utility Commission of Texas proceeding regarding El Paso Electric Company’s proposed rate changes for large public‑power customers, including the Rate 41 classification.

Legal counsel reported that the district had analyzed the benefits of joining a coalition of previous Rate 41 participants — including local governments, independent school districts and El Paso Community College — to challenge the utility’s proposed increase for that customer class. Counsel asked the board to authorize intervention in PUCT Docket No. 57568 (SOAH docket referenced in board materials) on the condition that at least 50 percent of prior Rate 41 member participants also intervene and that the district execute a future interlocal agreement and retain special counsel for the matter.

Trustee Maribel Macias made the motion to intervene subject to those conditions; Trustee Gardella seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. The motion as presented requires a definitive interlocal agreement and engagement with special counsel before finalizing the district’s participation and financial commitment.

District counsel did not disclose estimated legal costs at the meeting; staff said attorneys and administration would return with an interlocal agreement and recommended special counsel engagement for the board’s future approval. Trustees said participating in a coalition of public entities could preserve the Rate 41 classification and mitigate potential rate increases that would affect the district’s utility costs.

No further details on projected costs or the interlocal agreement were approved at the meeting; the board’s intervention authorization is contingent on the stated conditions and a future approval by the board of the interlocal agreement and counsel engagement.