R-2019-07 joining the Houston Coalition of Cities

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RESOLUTION NO. 2019- 07 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, 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. 49421 AND RELATED PROCEEDINGS. WHEREAS, on April 5, 2019, 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 La Porte, 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, 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 desires to exercise its original jurisdiction over the request for the Statement of Intent to the fullest extent allowed by law; and WHEREAS, the City desires to participate in all proceedings affecting the rates, operations and services of CenterPoint for customers within the city, through the Coalition of Cities; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that City's participation in the Coalition of Cities 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 the CenterPoint rate filings; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds the Coalition of Cities will bring together CenterPoint service area municipalities to coordinate the hiring and direction of counsel and consultants working on behalf of the Coalition of Cities and the City; 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.