Houston City Council has rejected a proposal from CenterPoint Energy for a rate increase, a decision supported unanimously by the council.
The proposed rate hike would have added approximately $1.83 to the average monthly bill of residential customers in the Houston area.
CenterPoint Energy had argued that the increase was necessary to fund improvements and ensure reliable power delivery. The company hopes to address demands and cover infrastructural upgrades.
Council Member Abbie Kamin voiced strong opposition to the proposal. She emphasized that Houstonians deserve a refund rather than facing additional charges for developments that should have been implemented years ago.
Kamin also mentioned the past failures in addressing utility hardening, criticizing the company for its handling of previous emergencies.
This situation echoes the criticism faced by CenterPoint after a significant power outage impacted 2.2 million customers in the region earlier this year during Hurricane Beryl.
Despite the City Council’s denial, CenterPoint’s request may still find approval at the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The city plans to participate in the appeal process, with a decision anticipated later this year. The final ruling by the PUC will determine if CenterPoint can proceed with the rate increase.