HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2024-03 Authorizing Participation in Proceedings for CenterPoint Intent and Application to Change RatesCity of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-03
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW IN
PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING TO CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON
ELECTRIC, LLC STATEMENT OF INTENT AND APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY
TO CHANGE RATES PENDING AS PUC DOCKET NO. 56211 AND RELATED
PROCEEDINGS.
WHEREAS, on March 6, 2024, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC.
("CenterPoint") filed a Statement of Intent and Application for Authority to Change
Rates ("Statement of Intent") within the City of West University Place, Texas
("City"), requesting a rate increase, riders, and tariff changes (collectively "New
Rates"); and
WHEREAS, CenterPoint has simultaneously requested the New Rates at the
Public Utility Commission of Texas ("PUC") for customers receiving service in
unincorporated areas ("environs"); and
WHEREAS, the PUC hears appeals from the ordinances of local regulatory
authorities to determine just and reasonable rates; and
WHEREAS, the New Rates would affect rates, operations or services for
CenterPoint retail customers within the City; and
WHEREAS, City has exclusive original jurisdiction as a local regulatory
authority over the rates, operations and services of an electric utility for customers
within the city pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act ("PURA"); and
WHEREAS, the City has standing in each case before the PUC that relates to an
electric utility providing service in the municipality pursuant to Section 33.025 of the Utilities
Code; and
WHEREAS, PURA requires a local regulatory authority to make a reasonable
determination of rate base, expenses, investment and rate of return and to retain the
necessary personnel to determine reasonable rates; and
WHEREAS, the City is entitled to reimbursement of its reasonable costs to
participate in cases that are deemed ratemaking proceedings under the Utilities Code;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that City's participation with other
CenterPoint service area municipalities in the Coalition of Cities to coordinate the hiring
and direction of counsel and consultants on behalf of the Coalition of Cities, including
the City, will achieve coordinated efforts among similarly situated affected
municipalities in order to maximize the efficient use of resources and expertise in
reviewing analyzing, and investigating CenterPoint's Statement of Intent; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition of Cities shall be led by the City of Houston, which
shall direct the selection of legal counsel and consultants on behalf of the Coalition of
Cities.
City of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
WHEREAS, interested parties must seek party status to comply with the
intervention deadline to be set in the proceedings; and
WHEREAS, City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City
that the City participates with the Coalition of Cities in the PUC proceedings;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS:
Section 1: That the statements and findings recited in the preamble to this
Resolution are found to be true and correct and are hereby adopted as part of this
Resolution.
Section 2. That the City is hereby authorized to join with other municipalities
as part of the Coalition of Cities and to participate to the fullest extent permitted by
law in proceedings affecting the rates, operations and services of CenterPoint for
customers within the City of West University Place, Texas and in particular
regarding the Statement of Intent.
Section 3. That the City is hereby authorized to intervene in the proceedings
as a member of the Coalition of Cities.
Section 4. The City authorizes the Coalition of Cities to represent the City in
proceedings affecting the rates, operations and services of CenterPoint for customers
within the City of West University Place, Texas and in particular regarding the
Statement of Intent.
Section 5. That such outside counsel that the City of Houston may select, shall
represent the City in all of the proceedings and are hereby authorized to take all legal
and other actions necessary to forward the interests of the City in the proceedings and
all matters related to such proceedings, including without limitation any hearings,
conferences, negotiations and related Proceedings.
Section 6. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares
that a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of
the City Council was posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the
City for the time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Open
Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code; and that this meeting has been
open to the public as required by law at all times during which this resolution and the
subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The
City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the
contents and posting thereof.
Section 7. That this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage
and approval in the manner required by the City Charter and ordinances or
resolutions.
City of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
PASSED AND ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this 00 -day of 2024
Sign by:
Susan V. SaTf�plef \ a� 1/-4typeVretary Thelma A. Gilliam
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