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El Paso Electric Granted Rate Hike Amid City Opposition and Adjustments

KVIA•Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10:27 PM•Katrina Villarreal

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The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has approved a rate increase for El Paso Electric (EPE), following a request made in January 2025 for an average residential hike of 23%, equating to an additional $22.39 monthly. Despite opposition from the City of El Paso and local businesses, the PUCT's final decision resulted in a reduced base-rate revenue request, lowering it by approximately $60 million from EPE's original ask. EPE's CEO, Kelly Tomblin, expressed concerns over the limited return on equity, which could hinder future infrastructure investments necessary for regional growth. The PUCT's decision also included adjustments to cost recovery for certain projects, emphasizing a shared cost approach with New Mexico customers.

Key Details: • Rate increase approved by PUCT on August 7, 2025. • Residential customers will see an average increase of $22.39 per month. • EPE's original request was for a 23% hike, but adjustments reduced the base-rate revenue by $60 million. • EPE's return on equity was increased from 9.35% to 9.4%, below their requested 10.7%.

infrastructure el-paso-electric rate-increase utility public-utility-commission

People & Organizations

El PasoTexasEl Paso ElectricPublic Utility Commission of TexasKelly TomblinThomas J. Gleeson

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