HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2024-09RESOLUTION 2024-09
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS,
RESOLVING 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 FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS
LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF
WHEREAS, Match 6, 2024, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC. ("CenterPoint") Filed 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, 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 serve 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; and
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 HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, THAT:
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 La Porte, 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 La Porte 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, how, 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.
PASSED and APPROVED this, the 811 day of April, 2024.
CITY OF L PORTE, TEXAS
Louis RAigby, Ma o
ATTEST: /1 APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Clark T. Askins, City Attorney
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