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Amarillo suspends proposed Atmos Energy rate increase to allow legal review
Summary
Council adopted a resolution to suspend the effective date of Atmos Energy West Texas’ GRIP filing for 45 days to allow special counsel to review the company’s data. Staff said the filing could raise the average residential base rate by about 13.59% (roughly $6.45/month) if approved by the Railroad Commission.
The Amarillo City Council on Thursday adopted a resolution to suspend the proposed effective date of a rate‑change filing by Atmos Energy’s West Texas Division under the Gas Utility Regulatory Act. The suspension, if adopted in the second reading, delays the proposed April 21, 2026 effective date by 45 days to allow the city’s special counsel to review Atmos’ calculations and data.
City staff, represented by Stephanie Coggins, explained that Atmos filed a Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP) application under Section 104.301 of the Gas Utility Regulatory Act and proposed an effective date of April 21. Staff estimated the filing would increase the average residential customer base rate by about 13.59%, or roughly $6.45 per month, and raise Atmos’ system‑wide revenues by about $30.57 million, with approximately $14.69 million of that attributable to Amarillo and several coalition cities.
The resolution authorizes Herrera Law and Associates to represent the city in reviewing the filing and provides for reimbursement of reasonable rate‑case expenses as allowed by law. Coggins emphasized that the city’s action is only a suspension of the effective date to permit review and possible negotiation; the ultimate rate decision lies with the Railroad Commission.
Councilmembers asked whether only four cities are named in the filing; staff said those are the jurisdictions Atmos listed in the application. Council approved the first reading and scheduled the second reading for April 14, per the city’s local resolution requirements.
The suspension gives the city more time to analyze the filing and pursue adjustments before the Railroad Commission considers final approval.
