CenterPoint Energy is negotiating with Houston and dozens of other cities in its bid to raise customers\u2019 electric rates again.<\/p>\n
The utility company is seeking to recoup $1.3 billion in costs<\/a> it says were incurred to restore power after Hurricane Beryl and two other weather events. CenterPoint claims the proposed increase would cost the average household that uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity about<\/b> $2.13 more per month.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n This request comes on top of a $1 monthly increase the Texas Public Utility Commission approved earlier for CenterPoint\u2019s recovery costs <\/a>from the May derecho. They claimed $400 million in expenses from that weather event.<\/p>\n CenterPoint can charge customers \u2018reasonable and necessary\u2019 costs from extreme weather events. But the rates must be approved by the PUC.<\/p>\n Representatives from dozens of cities in CenterPoint\u2019s coverage area are pushing back against the cost increase. The two sides were set to appear before a state administrative judge on July 31st, when they asked to delay the hearing so they can try to reach an agreement. <\/p>\n City representatives and CenterPoint have until Aug. 15<\/a> to negotiate an increase both sides can accept.<\/p>\n