HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2019-12 RESOLUTION NO. R2019-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, SUSPENDING THE MAY 10, 2019, EFFECTIVE
DATE OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON
ELECTRIC, LLC'S REQUESTED RATE CHANGE TO
PERMIT THE CITY TIME TO STUDY THE REQUEST AND
TO ESTABLISH REASONABLE RATES; APPROVING
CONTINUED 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; REQUIRING
REIMBURSEMENT OF CITIES' RATE CASE EXPENSES;
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.
* * * * * *
WHEREAS, on or about April 5, 2019, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC
("CenterPoint" or "Company"), pursuant to PURA §§ 33.001 and 36.001 filed with the City of
Friendswood, Texas, ("City") a Statement of Intent to change electric delivery rates in all
municipalities exercising original jurisdiction within its service area, effective May 10, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the City 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, GCCC's member cities have previously authorized intervention in electric
utility rate case proceedings before the Public Utility Commission of Texas; and
WHEREAS, GCCC has previously authorized the hiring of Thomas Brocato and Chris
Brewster of the law firm of Lloyd Gosselink and consultants to negotiate with the Company,make
recommendations regarding reasonable rates and to 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; 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the May 10, 2019, effective date of the rate request submitted by
CenterPoint on or about April 5, 2019, 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. That the City is authorized to cooperate with GCCC to coordinate efforts to
protect the interests of the City and protect the interests of CenterPoint's end-use customers
residing and conducting business within municipal limits.
Section 3. That the City's reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by
CenterPoint on a timely basis.
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 Patrick Peters,
CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 1005 Congress Avenue, Suite 650, Austin, Texas 78701
R2019-12 2
(patrick.peterscenterpointenergy.com), and to Chris Brewster at Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle &
Townsend, P.C., 816 Congress Avenue, Suite 1900, Austin, Texas 78701
(cbrewsterlglawfirm.com).
PASSED,APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this the 6th day of May,2019.
eFo - an
Mayor
ATTEST:
r
Melinda Welsh, TRMC:. .®�'' '`°.;(5' *,
City Secretary :,*(3'....: 41.... •
o
A :0 .
,),,
: . ..
4 '
•
d. 1'.• L: L '.u
R2019-12 3