The Texarkana City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 10 to deny a rate increase application filed by Southwestern Electric Power Company (referred to in the record as SWPCO) and to authorize municipal participation in regulatory review.

City Attorney Jeff Lewis told the council that the company’s filing notified about 60 cities of a proposed increase totaling approximately $94,900,000 and that staff and municipal counsel had not had time to complete a full review of the more than 30 pages of materials delivered to cities. Lewis recommended that the council deny the filing, intervene in the Texas Public Utility Commission proceedings, request reimbursement of municipal legal expenses as allowed by law, and participate in rate and operational decision‑making.

"The day after our last council meeting, SWPCO gave notice to about 60 cities, including Texarkana, of a proposed rate increase of approximately $94,900,000," Lewis said. He added that, absent municipal action, the new rates would go into effect eight days after the filing.

Council Member Hart moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑181 denying the application; Council Member Meador seconded. The council approved the resolution by unanimous voice vote. The action directs city staff and counsel to intervene in the PUC proceedings and pursue allowable reimbursements of municipal legal costs.

The denial is an initial municipal response; the Texas Public Utility Commission will adjudicate the merits of the filing and any final rate determinations. Council members asked for no additional delay and accepted Lewis’s recommendation to move promptly to formal intervention and review.