Entergy Texas is proposing a system wide rate increase, or an 11.2% increase over current rates.
City Manager Jason Weeks talked about Entergy’s intent at Monday’s city council meeting, saying this request is different than their usual.
“If approved, Entergy’s base rate increase would result in an average monthly increase of approximately $13.50 for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatts per month,” said Weeks.
He also touched on the city’s options for delaying the increase, which was part of the ordinance presented to council. It would effectively delay the increase, scheduled to start in August, through November 3rd. That will give lawyers and the Steering Committee Navasota is on, time to review.
Energy still has the right to raise the rates in the mean time, however, so delaying does not mean it will not ever happen.
Resident Connie Clements spoke during the hearing, and also raised issues from reading deeper into the notice from Entergy, which City Attorney Cary Bovey discussed with her.
“Part of this has to do with charging for services for electric cars,” said Clements.
“I have not read the entirety of the notice…so I cannot speak to that. But, I think that would be something the other cities on the Steering Committee would oppose,” said Bovey.
“I, personally, do not want to pay $13.50 more just because of an electric car. I am not a proponent of an electric car, and I am tired of having to pay for things I do not support, nor endorse,” said Clements.
“Yes ma’am, and I think that will be the exact thing and issues this committee will be raising…and ask ‘what does this have t d with residential customers you are serving?'” Bovey said.
Council approved the resolution to delay the increase through November. For any questions, contact the city at 936-825-6475.