O-1978-1128 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 10, 1978 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CITIES SERVED BY HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER COMPANY LOUISE WARE, MAYOR, BELLAIRE - CHAIRMAN, STEERING COMMITTEE STATUS REPORT - HL&P PROPOSED RATE INCREASE On Friday, August 4, 197a, representatives of several cities met to further discuss joint action in the above case. It was decided that a consolidated effort should be made through the hiring of an attorney. Such attorney would work with attorneys and rate consultants from Houston in developing evidence for usage at the local level and presenting such evidence at the Public Utility Commission. In return for such participation by other cities, Houston is to pay for, and make available, all information from their consultants, Touche-Ross & Co. Houston has committed to expend up to $75,000.00 on this effort. There would be no expenses for the con- sultants to the other cities, unless such cities want an individual presentation. It is anticipated that one or more presentations will be made on a jOint basis, without cost to cities other than Houston, for all city representatives who might wish to attend. The city representatives selected a steering committee composed of the following to direct the activities of the case: Louise Ware, Mayor, Bellaire - Chairman Jim T. Brown, City Manager, West University Place John B. Knox, Mayor, Missouri City The representatives present also voted to hire Don Butler, an attorney from Austin to represent their interests. It is anticipated that his fees will run from $5,000.00 to an absolute maximum o'f $10,000.00. However, in no event would any city be obligated to spend more than 5t per capita based on 1970 population. A portion of this may be reimbursed depending upon the extent of participation of other cities and reimbursement by the Company under the Public Utility Regulatory Act. Enclosed find an authorization which may be forwarded to the TML office in Austin. Such authorization, along with appropriate payment, Should be made prior to September 30, 1978, so that such city's participation can be noted prior to commencement of the PUC hearings. Attached are a schedule of dates and a form Ordinance which may be used to suspend the rates for 120 days. Such action may also be taken through a resolution depending upon your particular city charter by using the same language but putting it in the form of a resolution. Such resolution or ordinance should be adopted prior to the proposed effective date of the rate increase (August 21, 1978). Any questions or communications may be directed, as applicable, to either Mayor Ware, Bellaire City Hall, 7008 South Rice Avenue, Bellaire, Texas, 77401 (7l3/667-S315), or Don Butler, 1225 Southwest Tower, Austin, Texas, 78701 (512/476-6604).