HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2014-18 RESOLUTION NO. R2014-18
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
SUSPENDING THE OCTOBER 1, 2014, EFFECTIVE DATE
OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC
LLC'S APPLICATION TO AMEND ITS RATE
SCHEDULES TO PERMIT THE CITY TIME TO STUDY
THE REQUEST; APPROVING COOPERATION WITH
THE GULF COAST COALITION OF CITIES; HIRING
LLOYD GOSSELINK ATTORNEYS AND CONSULTING
SERVICES TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE COMPANY AND
DIRECT ANY NECESSARY LITIGATION AND APPEALS;
FINDING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
RESOLUTION IS PASSED IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW; REQUIRING NOTICE OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE COMPANY AND LEGAL
COUNSEL.
X X X X ]i X X iF
WHEREAS, on or about August 8, 2014, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC
("CenterPoint" or "Company"), filed with the City of Friendswood an application to amend its
rate schedule at Section 6.1.1.1.6 Lighting Services in its Tariff for Retail Delivery Service; and
WHEREAS, the City of Friendswood is a member of the Gulf Coast Coalition of Cities
("GCCC") and will cooperate with the other similarly situated city members and other city
participants in conducting a review of the Company's application and to hire and direct legal
counsel and consultants to prepare a common response and to negotiate with the Company and
direct any necessary litigation; and
WHEREAS, PURA § 36.108 grants local regulatory authorities the right to suspend the
effective date of proposed rate changes for ninety (90) days after the date the rate change would
otherwise be effective; and
WHEREAS, PURA § 33.023 provides that costs incurred by Cities in ratemaking
activities are to be reimbursed by the regulated utility.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the October 1, 2014, effective date of the rate request submitted by
CenterPoint on or about August 8, 2014, be suspended for the maximum period allowed by law
to permit adequate time to review the proposed changes and to establish reasonable rates.
Section 2. As indicated in the City's resolution approving membership in GCCC,
GCCC is authorized to hire and direct legal counsel and consultants, negotiate with the
Company, make recommendations regarding reasonable rates, and to intervene and direct any
necessary administrative proceedings or court litigation associated with an appeal of a rate
ordinance and the rate case filed with the City or Public Utility Commission.
Section 3. That the City's reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by
CenterPoint.
Section 4. That it is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at which
this Resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law and the public notice of the
time,place, and purpose of said meeting was given as required.
Section 5. A copy of this Resolution shall be sent to CenterPoint, care of Matthew
Troxle, Director of Rates, CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 1111 Louisiana St., Houston, Texas, 77002
and to Thomas Brocato, at Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C., 816 Congress Avenue,
Suite 1900, Austin, Texas 78701.
PASSED,APPROVED,AND RESOLVED this the 8 th day of September, 2014.
R2014-18 2
Kevin M.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Melinda Welsh, TRMC •U p
City Secretary
R2014-18 3