City of El Paso to intervene in EP electric data center rate case
The El Paso City Council has approved intervening in a Texas Public Utility Commission case regarding El Paso Electric's proposed Economic Development Rate for data centers. The city aims to ensure that residential and business customers do not subsidize the electricity costs of large-load data center users. This intervention allows the city to retain legal counsel and technical experts to advocate for ratepayer protections.
El Paso city leaders have decided to formally intervene in a state regulatory case concerning proposed changes to El Paso Electric's Economic Development Rate for data centers. The El Paso City Council authorized the City Attorney's Office to engage in a proceeding before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to protect local customers from potentially subsidizing the high energy demands of large data centers.
City Attorney Karla Nieman stated that the city's intervention ensures that "El Paso has a seat at the table as these important decisions are made," emphasizing a consistent advocacy for strong ratepayer protections. The city will assess whether El Paso Electric's proposed rate adjustments align with prior settlement terms and include adequate safeguards to prevent cost shifting to other ratepayers.
This proceeding is distinct from other ongoing utility cases, and the City of El Paso evaluates each regulatory matter independently to safeguard its residents and businesses. The Public Utility Commission will establish a procedural timeline for the case, including opportunities for testimony, before issuing a final decision on the Economic Development Rate changes.